Councillor’s miniature poodle wins at Crufts

A woman who owns a dog grooming company in Edinburgh was left “shocked” after winning in one of the categories at the Crufts International Dog Show. 

Kristie Rowe, 31, is the owner of Howl & Hound in Slateford and she was competing at the show for the first time along with a miniature poodle called Angus – a dog owned by an Edinburgh councillor.

Crufts is the world’s most prestigious dog show, with dogs beginning the competition against their own breed and progressing to facing off against other dog breeds. 

Angus and Rowe won first place in the Workshop Asian Fusion Open, which she called a “mad experience”. 

“I’ve been grooming Angus for about five years and only started competing with them in April last year. We’ve done a few competitions together where we didn’t place in the last two. 

“So, on Saturday, hearing we got first place at Crufts was obviously quite a shock and quite an achievement for myself and Angus as well.”

Angus’s owner is Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, and he said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Angus won first place in his category at Crufts this year. It’s a fantastic achievement and a real credit to the incredible talent and creativity of his groomer, Kristie Rowe at Howl & Hound. I’m so proud of them both and was thrilled to see Angus looking his very best on such a prestigious stage this weekend.”

Rowe and Angus were awarded the prize after being called up by judges along with three other finalists. 

Winners of each category take part in a “best in show” final event, determining the overall winner. Rowe and Angus’ category win allowed them to qualify, although the pair lost to a four-year-old clumber spaniel called Bruin. 

Rowe praised Angus for his character throughout the event.

She said: “He’s got the best nature in the world and is the sweetest, most loving boy. He’s also 10 years old, so an old boy. 

“He likes to be pampered and to parade around. He’s amazing, I absolutely love him.” 

Crufts turned out to be Angus’ final competition, and he has since been retired due to his age. 

While Rowe was always passionate about dogs, she began her career in the hospitality industry working in bars and restaurants. After meeting several customers who were dog owners, she decided to switch to dog grooming. 

She said: “It just kind of grew from there, and I knew that I had to do the research to find out where to train. This ended up being at Scotgroom in Carluke with Agnes Murphy, who is quite well known.  

“I did the training with her and then set up my own studio in my mum and dad’s utility room, and it has grown from there in the past five years.”