A Cocker Spaniel from the South East, called Ricky or Buttons is the most likely to be crowned ‘top dog’ at Crufts, according to new analysis of the show’s 100-year data, released ahead of its return this week.
The statistics reveal not only the breeds that have proved most successful at the world’s greatest celebration of dogs, but where you can find them, and even what they might be called.
The South East leads the way as the region with the most dogs having had their day at Crufts, since the first Best in Show winner was crowned in 1928, with more than a quarter (24) of all Best in Show winners hailing from the region, followed by the capital, London, with 11 winners. As a global event, Crufts has seen seven overseas dogs crowned as Best in Show. In contrast, Wales has taken home the Best in Show title just once, with Northern Ireland yet to secure a winner.
Pinpointing the prized pets’ provenience, the most successful winning county is Greater London securing 11 wins, with Ickenham making up six of those, while Surrey follows closely with 10, including three from Farnham.
And when analysing the breed with the most success at Crufts, the well-loved Cocker Spaniel dominated Crufts Best in Show from 1938 to 1950, earning the title four times in a row (with no show occurring between 1940 to 1947), and this popular breed leads the way as top dog, with the most ‘Best in Show’ titles – seven to date – across all 222 breeds which can vie for the top dog position. Close on its tail is the Standard Poodle – who has taken home the Best in Show crown four times, and the Wire Fox Terrier, with three titles.
Those choosing the perfect name for their future Best in Show pup might want to consider Buttons or Ricky – both the moniker for two winners each, while those beginning with B and C proved to be the most successful – with 8 winners apiece.
Proving it’s never too late to teach a dog new tricks, the oldest Best in Show was Flat Coated Retriever, Jet, who was crowned aged nine years and seven months old at Crufts in 2011. Meanwhile, in 1952 the youngest underdog, a Bulldog, Chuckles, took the title at just one year and four months old.
As for gender, male dogs take the lead with 55 winners whereas only 29 bitches have earned the renowned title.
Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners. Crufts is held from 9-12 March 2023 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4 and More4, and for further information and tickets visit crufts.org.uk
