After four momentous days, a new Crufts Best in Show champion has been crowned as Baxer (CH Almanza Backseat Driver), a Flat Coat Retriever, who took home the coveted title on Sunday 13 March.
In a packed Resorts World Arena, Baxer, who is six-years-old, bred in Sweden by Ragnhild Ulin, and his co-owner and handler, Patrick Oware from Oslo, Norway, were cheered on as they were chosen by top judge, Stuart Plane. Baxer’s win was captured live on Channel 4 in a programme hosted by Clare Balding, and watched online by millions of dog lovers.
Almost 16,000 dogs from around the world competed at the Birmingham NEC over four days for just seven places in the Crufts 2022 Best in Show final. The other six finalists were: Aya, a Greyhound; Akela, a Siberian Husky; Donnie, an Irish Terrier; Lenor. a Border Collie; Conan, a Yorkshire Terrier and Waffle, a Toy Poodle.
Baxer is a liver Flat Coat Retriever, a more unusual colour for the breed. This is the third time the Flat Coat has won Crufts.
Delighted co-owner and handler Patrick, said of their win: “It’s been amazing to go from winning the breed, to now winning Best in Show. It’s really a dream come true! I’ve been going to Crufts ever since I was a young and it’s always been a dream to show my own dog in the main ring – and win!
“Baxer never lets me down, he’s always happy and energetic. He’s a fantastic dog! I don’t have any words, it’s just amazing, and I’m really proud of him. He’s a true credit to his breed.”
The Reserve Best in Show was won by Waffle, the Toy Poodle, owned and handled by co-owner Tom Isherwood, from Preston, Lancashire.
Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, said: “This year has been a triumphant return for Crufts and tonight saw another fantastic final. Congratulations to Baxer who helped end this year’s competition on a real high, taking the coveted Best in Show award with his co-owner and handler, Patrick. The pair are very deserving winners and it was clear to see their strong bond together in the ring.
“Well done to all of our other wonderful finalists too. The dogs and their owners and handlers should be incredibly proud to get through to such a prestigious final – it really is a special achievement.
“Crufts is not only a beloved event here in the UK but it is also adored by dog lovers all over the world and we have been so delighted to see the unique bond between these much-loved dogs and their owners, across a range of competitions and activities. Thank you to everyone involved for making the show what it is today.”
For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.
