Whippet Miuccia Emerges Victorious at Crufts 2025's Best in Show Competition
In a conclusive climax at Crufts 2025, the highly anticipated Best in Show competition has crowned a new champion. Four-year-old Whippet, Miuccia, took the front seat, surpassing the previous year's winner, the Australian Shepherd, Viking.
Miuccia and her handler, Giovanni Liguori, impressed the judges, attendees, and viewers at home, securing their position as the fourth Whippet to claim the top accolade. The duo was selected by head judge Patsy Hollings on March 9th.
A total of 18,000 dogs participated in Crufts, aspiring to be among the seven finalists. The other six in the final round included: Jack Russell Terrier Ana, miniature schnauzer Liza, papillon Sophia, cocker spaniel Suzie, Tibetan Mastiff Viking, and Australian Shepherd Shake.
Liguori expressed his delight, stating, "I am 100% overwhelmed! It's an incredible surprise. She moved beautifully, so I'm super, super happy. It's an honor to be the first Italian to win Best in Show at Crufts—it's a very big emotion!"
Previous winner, Viking, was honored as Reserve Best in Show alongside Gabriele Stafuzza, marking the first time a Tibetan Mastiff has been Best in Group.
Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, congratulated Miuccia and Liguori, acknowledging their outstanding performance. She also commended all finalists for their significant achievements. Kerfoot expressed her gratitude to competitors from around the world, emphasizing the special bond between dogs and their owners celebrated throughout the event.
Historically, Crufts has showcased a diverse range of breeds, with this year's competition featuring representatives from Croatia, Romania, France, Edinburgh, Shropshire, and Italy. In the end, the title went to Miuccia the Whippet, marking a memorable win for Italy.
Those missing the excitement of Crufts can explore its history or discover lesser-known facts about the event online.
- Giovanni Liguori, Miuccia's handler, expressed pride in their win as they became the fourth Whippet to claim the Best in Show title and the first Italian to achieve this at Crufts.
- In the final round, not only Miuccia, the winning Whippet, but also the Tibetan Mastiff Viking, the previous year's winner, were recognized, with Viking receiving the title of Reserve Best in Show.
- Amidst the diverse range of pets participating in Crufts, including dogs from Croatia, Romania, France, Edinburgh, Shropshire, and Italy, Miuccia the Whippet stood out, marking a significant achievement in the lifestyle of pet ownership and sports.
