After four action-packed days, a new Crufts Best in Show winner has been crowned as Bruin (Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist), a Clumber Spaniel, took home the coveted title.
In a packed bp pulse LIVE arena at the Birmingham NEC, Bruin, who is four-years-old, and handler Lee Cox, were cheered on as they were chosen by top judge, Tamás Jakkel (Hungary). Bruin and Lee won the Best in Gundog Group earlier on Sunday 8 March.
Bruin’s win was captured live on Channel 4 in a programme hosted by Clare Balding and watched online by millions of dog lovers. This is the first time a Clumber Spaniel has won Best in Show since 1991.
18,600 dogs from around the world competed at the Birmingham NEC over four days for just seven places in the Crufts 2026 Best in Show final. The other six finalists were: Viking, a Tibetan Mastiff; Hazel, a Welsh Corgi; Fredy, a Lakeland Terrier; Meghan, a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen; Spencer, a Miniature Schnauzer and Dublin, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Reserve Best in Show was won by the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, Meghan, handled by Dr Iva Raic, from Croatia.
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of the Royal Kennel Club, said: “Congratulations to Bruin and Lee for closing this year’s competition with a truly outstanding win and for taking home the prestigious Best in Show title. Their connection and skill in the ring have shone throughout, making them thoroughly deserving champions. We also extend our congratulations to all the finalists. Each dog, handler and owner should feel extremely proud of reaching such an iconic final.
Crufts continues to be adored by dog lovers worldwide, and it has been wonderful to welcome so many competitors from around the globe this year. We’ve celebrated the extraordinary bond between dogs and their handlers across every competition and activity. Thank you to everyone involved for helping make Crufts the remarkable event that it is.”
Crufts took place from 5 - 8 March 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.
Picture credit: BeatMedia/The Kennel Club
