The 120th dfs Crufts finished on a climax tonight as Sh Ch Vbos The Kentuckian, aka Jet, a Flatcoated Retriever was crowned Best in Show 2011.
In a tough final, against a number of favourites, Jet and breeder Jim Irvine from South Queensferry, Edinburgh were chosen as the champions and presented with the prestigious trophy in a packed arena.
Approximately 138,000 people came to watch the 21,422 dogs compete over the last four days for the Best in Show title at dfs Crufts 2011 at the NEC in Birmingham. Jet’s thrilled owner, Iain Ross said: “I am over the moon, I can’t believe it. It’s a lifetime achievement, it’s wonderful.”
The Reserve Best in Show went to Jilly, a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, owned by Gavin and Sara Robertson from Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
The crowning of the Best in Show winner was preceded by the presentation of the Kennel Club’s Friends for Life award, which recognises the country’s dog heroes. The award went to Joanne Day from Staffordshire and her Golden Retriever/Poodle cross, Kaiser, a Canine Partners assistance dog.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Communications Director, said: “We give our congratulations to Jet who has taken the prestigious Best in Show Award, his breeder and handler Jim Irvine and proud owner Iain Ross. Jim and Jet were a pleasure to watch and clearly have a great relationship.
“dfs Crufts is a celebration of healthy, happy dogs which recognises the special and unique bond between dogs and their owners.
“Anybody who has been watching the television coverage provided by More4 will have seen the wonderful diversity of dogs, the fact that they truly are fit for function, and how much dogs and people enrich each other’s lives.”
