London’s biggest dog event Discover Dogs 2009, saw Bouncer from Willesden in London crowned Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year 2009 at a packed Earls Court 1 in West London.

The glittering grand final took place today, with celebrity judge Peter Purves, of Blue Peter and Doctor Who fame, taking into account the importance of dog training and responsible dog ownership, judging the entrants on good character, health and temperament as well as looks. Bouncer, aged 10, stood out above the competition with his owner Paula Cogan, to win the overall prize.

In contrast to DFS Crufts, the world famous dog show open to pedigree dogs, Scruffts caters exclusively for crossbreed dogs: a dog of mixed blood whose parents are of two different breeds, or a mixture of several breeds. Bouncer is  a mixture of English, Welsh and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

In the grand final, Bouncer was up against over 70 other competitors, after winning the Child’s Best Friend class earlier in the day. He collected the ‘Wendy Richard Trophy’, in honour of the late EastEnders star, who was a long-standing supporter of the competition and Discover Dogs. The trophy was presented by her husband, John Burns.

Her owner Paula had a double lung transplant in March, and her best friend Bouncer was allowed to see her after a week. She said: “I was in my dressing gown when he came to see me, he was a little sheepish at first but when he realised who I was he came running into my arms.

“He’s so affectionate and calm for a spaniel, and to win the Scruffts Grand Final was a dream come true, I can’t believe it.”

Caroline Kisko, Communications Director at the Kennel Club, said: “Scruffts is such a special way of spending time both with your family and your dog.

“Paula and Bouncer are clearly the best of friends and shows the many wonderful qualities can bring to children and adults’ lives.”

Scruffts is run in support of the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which has donated over £4m worth of grants to benefit the canine world since its inception in 1987. Its mission is to promote the improvement of dogs through charitable donations and helping to fund research into canine health problems.

To find out more about Scruffts please visit www.scruffts.org.uk. Discover Dogs continues on Sunday.

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