Every dog has his day. At Crufts, the day belonged to Tibetan terrier Araki Fabulous Willy who beat six of his fellow finalists to win the most coveted prize that can be received by a canine.
Owned by Neil Smith and John Shaw, the six-year-old doggy trotted off with the Best in Show award at the Crufts held at the National Exhibition Center in Birmingham on Sunday, leaving over 20,000 dogs twiddling their paws in dismay.
“It is unbelievable. This dog has done so well. It is the biggest accolade you could ever wish for. We may have to think about retiring him now because there is nothing left for him to do,” said Smith, a 48-year-old Gloucestershire native, who has owned Willy since he was a pup.
Willy made his trainer Larry Cornelius proud too. “He's done everything I've ever asked of him, and I think he is a truly fabulous dog in every way,” Cornelius was quoted by media reports as saying of his protégé.
Of course, Willy had the advantage of experience. The Tibetan terrier has competed in the event, recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's largest annual dog show, four times. In his debut attempt, he bagged the Best in Breed award but failed to secure in Best in Show, a feat he repeated the next two years. But this year proved to be his star year. Willy won the top title and a three-foot silver cup.
The runner-up at the 116th edition of the popular dog show was the aptly named Travella Showstopper, a one-year-old female wire-haired fox terrier from Bristol whose nickname is Peggy. “The atmosphere in the ring was electric. This win means everything,” said her trainer Richard Allen.
Among others who shined at the exhibition were an Alaskan malamute Giving a New Royal Star De Jungla Negra, who won the best working dog title, a bearded collie Pattishawl Preview, winner of the pastoral section, and the best gundog winner – a flat-coated retriever Almanza Far and Flyg.
As many as 180 breeds were present at the four-day show, which attracted over 143,000 visitors from 30 countries. Founded in 1886 by Charles Crufts, the show attracts participating dogs and visitors from all over the world and is held every year in March by the Kennel Club, UK.
