Crufts has come under fire after announcing the 2025 winner of Best in Show as furious viewers say a fan favourite was ‘robbed’.
The prestigious dog show held its four-day 2025 event at the NEC in Birmingham over the weekend, with more than 18,000 dogs travelling in from across the world to compete.
Four-year-old whippet, Miuccia, was crowned Best in Show winner at this year’s event, while Tibetan Mastiff, Viking, was named runner-up.
Praised for her ‘beautiful elegance’, the female whippet, owned by Enrico De Gaspar, was chosen by judge Patsy Hollings, beating the winners of six other groups to bag the trophy.
She made history with her win as the first time an Italian dog has won best in show at Crufts, and the fourth time for a whippet.
Miuccia’s handler, Giovanni Liguori, said: ‘It’s really a dream come true. I am truly overwhelmed. Miuccia performed her best. I absolutely adore her. She is the sweetest dog.’
Judge Patsy Hollings made the final decision of Best in Show, with a Miniature Schnauzer, Gundog, Spaniel (Cocker), Australian Shepherd and Jack Russell missing out on the coveted title.
But the announcement has since caused uproar among fans, who have blasted the ‘shocking’ decision on social media, claiming the judges ‘robbed’ Jack Russell, Ana, of the crown.
Crufts has come under fire after announcing the 2025 winner of Best in Show – but furious viewers have since blasted the decision, claiming a fan favourite was ‘robbed’ (stock image)
Four-year-old whippet, Miuccia (left), was crowned Best in Show winner at this year’s event, while Tibetan Mastiff, Viking (right), was named runner-up (stock image)
The announcement has caused uproar among fans, who have blasted the ‘shocking’ decision on social media, claiming the judges ‘robbed’ Jack Russell, Ana (pictured), of the crown
The two-year-old pup, from Italy, stole the hearts of viewers after winning the Terrier Group title, qualifying for one of just seven places in the Best in Show final on Sunday.
Following the announcement of the winner, the show’s narrator had even remarked: ‘The Jack Russell was the public winner, but didn’t make the podium this time.’
Taking to X, one furious fan wrote underneath a post uploaded to Crufts’ account: ‘JRT should have won it. Shocking decision.’
Another said: ‘Shame it couldn’t have been the whippet and that lovely little Jack Russell, both were sweeties.’
A third commented, ‘I loved the little Jack Russell, she should have won,’ while a fourth fumed, ‘Should have been the Jack Russell. Absolutely a joke.’
One person alleged judges overlooked the breed for a second consecutive year, writing: ‘2nd year in a row the Jack Russell was robbed!’
Another fan wrote in agreement: ‘Jack Russell dogs always get robbed in Crufts. Last year or this year should have been Best in Show for them.’
A third quipped: ‘Haha the judge should have gone to Specsavers. The Jack Russell performed the best.’
Furious fans took to X to share their thoughts over the decision
It comes after Clare Balding couldn’t hold back her laughter as she was barraged with cuddles by her canine co-host for this week’s Crufts coverage.
The TV presenter, 54, dissolved into giggles as she welcomed English Cocker Spaniel Rueben on the Channel 4 sofa.
Before she could get her opening introductions out of the way, the playful pup started crawling all over the media personality.
‘They’re the most successful of all of the breeds,’ she struggled to get out, as Reuben made himself comfortable on Clare’s lap.
