A whippet called Miuccia has become the first Italian dog to win the top prize at Crufts in its 134-year history.
The four-year-old pooch, from the island city of Venice, beat more than 18,000 dogs to be crowned “best in show” at the NEC in Birmingham on Sunday.
Miuccia was the winner of the hound group earlier in the show.
The female whippet, owned by Enrico De Gaspari, later beat the winners of six other groups to lift the best in show prize after being selected by judge Patsy Hollings.
It was the first time an Italian dog has won the top prize at Crufts since the competition was founded in 1891.
The best in show award started in 1928 and Miuccia is only the fourth whippet to lift the coveted trophy.
The four-legged champion’s handler Giovanni Liguori said: “It’s really a dream come true. I am truly overwhelmed. Miuccia performed her best.
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“I absolutely adore her. She is the sweetest dog.
“She always wants to be super close to me and that’s the most important thing.”
Asked what it meant to handle the first dog from Italy to win Crufts, Mr Liguori said: “It’s incredible, it’s amazing.
“As Italians we are super proud and means that we are doing a fantastic job.”
The runner-up was Viking, a Tibetan mastiff from Romania.
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Helen Kerfoot, Crufts show manager, said: “Congratulations to Miuccia who helped end this year’s competition on a real high, taking the prestigious best in show award alongside her handler, Giovanni Liguori.
“It has been fantastic to watch their strong relationship together in the ring, and they are truly deserving winners.
“Well done to all of our other wonderful finalists too. The dogs, their owners, and handlers should be incredibly proud to have taken part in such a momentous final – it’s an incredible achievement, one we are sure they’ll treasure for years to come.”
Crufts, an international dog show which is held in the UK every year, took place between 6 and 9 March.
It features competitions in dog agility, obedience and heelwork to music.
The best in show is awarded to the dog which is judged to best represent an ideal example of their breed.
