Lee Cox, the owner of Bruin, expressed his disbelief and joy, stating, “It’s just amazing, I can’t believe it. It’s just wonderful for this breed.” Bruin, a four-year-old clumber spaniel, captured the coveted best in show prize at the prestigious Crufts dog show held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on March 8, 2026.

The competition, which spanned four days, saw an estimated 18,600 dogs participating, showcasing a variety of breeds. Bruin’s victory is particularly significant as the clumber spaniel is classified as a ‘vulnerable native breed’ by the UK Kennel Club, with only about 300 new registrations annually.

Path to Victory

Prior to winning best in show, Bruin had already made a mark by winning the Gundog group earlier in the event. Lee Cox, who handled Bruin during the competition, remarked, “He’s a dog of a lifetime … he’s just wonderful.” This win not only highlights Bruin’s exceptional qualities but also brings attention to the clumber spaniel breed.

The reserve best in show was awarded to Meghan, a petit basset griffon vendéen, showcasing the competitive spirit of the event. Crufts, which has been held since 1891, continues to be a landmark occasion in the dog show calendar, celebrating the bond between dogs and their owners.

Lee Cox further described Bruin’s personality, saying, “He’s a bit of a diva, a bit like me, he likes to have his own way.” This playful description adds a personal touch to the narrative of Bruin’s triumph. The win is expected to inspire more interest in the clumber spaniel breed, which has faced challenges in terms of popularity and registration numbers.

As the dog show community reflects on this remarkable achievement, the impact of Bruin’s win is likely to resonate beyond the event, encouraging potential owners to consider the clumber spaniel as a beloved companion. The next expected development will be the ongoing discussions about the breed’s future and efforts to promote its welfare and registration.

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Crufts is back from Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the NEC in Birmingham. The first scheduled competition is set to begin at 8:15 AM on March 5, with the last event concluding at 7:25 PM on March 8.

Doors will open at 8:15 AM each day, allowing attendees to enjoy a full day of events. Daily activities will last until 8:05 PM, except for Sunday when they will continue until 8:30 PM.

The schedule for the event features a variety of competitions across the four days. March 5 will showcase the Working and Pastoral groups, while March 6 will highlight the Terrier and Hound groups. The Utility and Toy groups will take the stage on March 7, culminating in the Gundog group and the Best in Show on March 8.

Notable competitions include the Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling competition, which will start at 8:30 AM on March 6. Group Judging for the Terrier and Hound groups is scheduled for 6:25 PM and 7:15 PM respectively on the same day.

The Best in Show winner will be announced at 8:30 PM on March 8, marking a highlight of the event. This year’s Crufts will also celebrate a significant milestone, as it marks the 35th year that Crufts has called the NEC its home.

Crufts is an annual event celebrating dog breeds and competitions, drawing participants and spectators from around the world. As the event approaches, further details regarding specific competitions and participants are anticipated.

Details remain unconfirmed.

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