A stunning Italian whippet named Miuccia has claimed the coveted Best in Show title at Crufts 2024, the world’s largest dog show, held in Birmingham, England.

A Historic Victory for Italy

Miuccia, a four-year-old whippet with soulful eyes and tiger-like markings, became the first Italian dog to win the prestigious title in the competition’s history. Her handler, Giovanni Liguori, was overwhelmed with emotion after the announcement.

“It’s really a dream come true. I am truly overwhelmed. Miuccia performed her best, I felt her very relaxed on the leash, so I’m super, super happy,” Liguori told British broadcaster Channel 4.

He went on to express his deep admiration for his champion dog:

“I absolutely adore her. She’s fantastic, the sweetest dog, and she always wants to be super close to me. As Italians, we are super proud!”

Fierce Competition at the World’s Largest Dog Show

Miuccia faced stiff competition from over 18,000 dogs that gathered at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre for four days of high-stakes competition.

In a historic runner-up placement, Viking, a Tibetan Mastiff from Romania, became the first of his breed to reach second place in the prestigious event.

Crufts: A Tradition of Excellence

First held in 1891, Crufts has grown into one of the most famous international dog shows, attracting competitors from across the globe. The event is significantly larger than the Westminster Dog Show in New York, featuring nearly six times as many competing dogs.

To win Best in Show, dogs must first compete in seven preliminary rounds, where they are grouped with other similar breeds before advancing to the final.

Beyond the main competition, Crufts also features thrilling events showcasing dog agility, obedience, and performance skills, further cementing its status as the ultimate celebration of canine excellence.

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Meet Muppet, a 12-year-old Chinese Crested dog from Peterborough, crowned Britain’s ugliest dog in a quirky competition. With his permanently hanging tongue and missing teeth, Muppet stood out among seven other contenders in the event organized by photography company Parrot Print. The competition finale aired live on ITV’s This Morning show.

Muppet’s owner, Bev Nicholson, describes him as a “wonky little rescue dog” but emphasizes that he is “beautiful inside and out.” Despite his unique appearance, Muppet’s charm won over the judges, with head judge Matt Dahan calling him “both cute and ugly at the same time.”

Muppet is no stranger to fame—his brother, Mugly, won the title of World’s Ugliest Dog in 2012. Along with the coveted title, Muppet was treated to a pampering session at a luxury dog spa, complete with a mud bath and a festive Christmas-themed photoshoot.

Nicholson, reflecting on the competition, said: “I know people say there’s no such thing as an ugly dog, but it’s just a term of endearment. There are ugly humans, aren’t there? The difference is Muppet has inner beauty. He’s not just a pink dog with a comb-over.”

When out for walks, Muppet often attracts attention, especially when riding in his stroller, which Nicholson fondly calls his “chariot.” “He loves it in there. It’s warm and at a height where he’s happier,” she said. People frequently stop to take selfies with Muppet, even sticking out their own tongues to match his signature look.

Nicholson expressed her joy when she learned Muppet had won, saying it “gave me the giggles.” Despite his unusual appearance, she’s proud of her little “wonky rescue dog” and the fun experience they’ve had. Muppet thoroughly enjoyed his spa day, even though he had a little mishap at the photo studio. “Apart from a naughty poop at the photography studio, he behaved perfectly, and the photos look fabulous,” Nicholson added.

In the end, it’s been a fun and memorable experience for Muppet and his family, proving that even the “ugliest” dogs can have a heart of gold.

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