Crufts 2025: Some of the 'paw'some pups vying to get their claws on the top spot at Crufts

Often called the 'premier dog show', Crufts will see hundreds of professional and semi-professional dog owners take to the grounds to show off their pup's abilities, breed and obedience - and their own skills as dog owners. 

While hundreds of dogs will perform in the show, only a chosen few will take home the top awards, including those in Showing, Agility, Rally and competitive obedience. 

So, as we enter the first day of the widely anticipated competition, we have talked to some of our local competitors to find out what it means to themselves and their furry friends to compete in Crufts.

Abigail and Nilo - Walsall

Abigail Jeffery, 30, a dog-groomer from Brownhills, Walsall, will be appearing with her two-year-old cocker spaniel, Nilo.

Abigail has been caring for dogs since she was born, being influenced by her mother, who is a dog groomer, and her Grandma, whose dogs went on to win over 20 UK Championships.

Abigail said: "We are both really looking forward to it. I got into showing through my nan, who competed in shows in the 60, she has over 20 UK Championships. She taught me everything that I know, so, this is me following in her footsteps I think.

"Cocker spaniels are one of the biggest groups in Crufts, so it's hard to get noticed, but no matter what happens, I'll still be proud of Nilo."

It will be Abigail and Nilo's second time visiting Crufts, with the dynamic duo being shortlisted last year out of a class of 18 other dogs.

Abigail said: "I'm very excited, very nervous, but very excited. Nilo does have a bit of a fan club, there are a lot of people who can't wait to see him compete in the ring.

"It's quite hard preparing for Crufts, there is a lot of blow-drying and special shampooing, I actually have to put him in this little snood so that his ears don't dip into his food."

Jack Mills and Rightstuff Black Knight (Murphy) - Dudley

Jack Mills, 29, a horse-groomer from Lower Gornal, Dudley, is no stranger to the show ring, competing in horse showing events since he was 12 years old. 

However, with his trusted furry companion Rightstuff Black Knight, also known as Murphy, an English bull terrier, he is all ready to follow in his father's footsteps to Crufts fame.

Jack said: "My dad competed in dog shows for around 20 years. I usually work with horses, but I really wanted to follow in his footsteps and it's a great way to show off what a good dog Murphy is.

"It's my first time in this. But myself and Murphy have competed in around 18 dog competitions in preparation for the event."

In his youth, Murphy previously won the Best Puppy category at the Windsor Dog Show and Best in Breed at the West Midlands Terrier Awards.

Jack said: "Murphy is such a pleasure to have on the lead, his breed gets a bad rap sometimes, but he is lovely and friendly, and he knows his job. When he goes into that ring, he knows it means business.

"He is really special, I do suffer with anxiety and he is great at helping me keep my mind active. He is a great all-rounder, the perfect dog anyone could ask for."

Liz Williams and Bertie - Wolverhampton

Liz Williams, 66, from Wolverhampton, will appear with four-year-old golden retriever, Bertie, for their fourth time this year. 

Liz says she competes in the dog show out of a love for animals and for the experience, but that winning is also a nice bonus.

The dog owner said: "We're both extremely excited. Bertie has done very well, I'm extremely proud of him.

"He is really the most loving and gorgeous dog that you can get. Retrievers are known for being such loving and gentle animals, but every now and again he is a bit boisterous.

"He has placed third previously and was also shortlisted in the class that he was in two years ago. He was also third in the Kennel Club Good Citizen Award previously."

Liz said the hardest part of preparing for Crufts is keeping Bertie clean, as he loves to muck around.

Aimee Holtom and Meeya, Bree, Beau and Woody - Shrewsbury

West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedic, Aimee, 28, from Shrewsbury is competing in the event with her four dachshunds Meeya, four, Bree, two and Beau and Woody who are both eleven months old.

While Aimee missed her chance to compete in Crufts last year, victory may be written in the stars for Beau and Woody, who were both born on the day of Crufts exactly one year ago, stopping Aimee from attending the 2024 event.

Aimee said: "All of the dachshunds are from different generations of the same family, so it's quite the family affair.

"Being dachshunds they can be quite nosey, but they are so loving and affectionate, Bree is my velcro dog, she sticks to me no matter where I go."

Being a paramedic, Aimee says that her loving pups help her to wind down after a hard shift and that they also take up extracurricular work in the downtime.

She said: "Being a paramedic can be quite a difficult job, so they are really great to come home to, they help me unwind.

"Meeya is a support dog for a veteran friend of mine, and she and Beau are both training to be scent dogs, they go out and help track down people who may be trapped."

Ian and Cara-Louise with Reno, Trixie and Ayahni - Stafford

Ian Wakeling, 61, and his granddaughter, Cara-Louise, 12, from Stafford, will appear at Crufts with their four Siberian Huskies, continuing three generations of dog showing. 

The Wakeling family is no stranger to the competition, with Cara-Louise following in the footsteps of her family, who have been competing in Crufts for 24 years.

Ian and Cara-Louise will appear with Trixie and Reno, who are both four, and Ayahni, who is almost three years old.

Talking about their furry friends, Tessa Wakeling, Ian's wife, said: "Our huskies are always pets first and show dogs second. They are very boyish, and they can be difficult for a first-time owner, but they are brilliant family pets.

"They want to run and walk and be active, but they also love a good cuddle while you're watching TV, and with all the fur, they make great cuddle buddies."

Tessa said they can't wait to appear for the competition, and that it is a great way for their family to bond.

Talking about their long history of appearing in the competition, Tessa Wakeling said: "This time, my husband and our grandaughter Cara-Louise will appear. It's always so exciting to compete, but no matter how many times we do it, we still get the nerves.

"We aren't huge dog-showers, I wouldn't say we were professionals, but it's something that we love competing in the show, and it's really a great way to bond. We are really excited."

Sadly, no Sandwell competitors opted to be contacted for comment by the Crufts press office.