Luc, a Working Sheepdog, and his owner Stephanie Woollam from Bristol took home one of the top obedience prizes at Crufts after winning the Obedience Championship (Dogs) final on March 9. The judge was Philomena Barnes who also judged the equivalent final for bitches the next day.
Stephanie, who has been involved in dog training since she was a schoolgirl, and seven-year-old Luc (whose official Kennel Club name is Saartjie Luc) came first in the final held at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, after competing against some of Britain’s best dogs for the coveted title.
All competitors at the championships had made it through to the final from one of the 46 championship shows that hosted qualifying classes for the Crufts Obedience Championships.
Proud owner Stephanie said: “I am extremely happy and a bit shocked. Luc went into the parade and was very happy and enjoyed it and I thought he might put it all together today – not necessarily to win it, but just to do a good round. And he did – he went in there and did exactly what I wanted him to do.
"From a very young age, I always wanted a dog, I always wanted to teach it things and I went to my local dog club and got involved from the very beginning. I love my dogs and love training them.”
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: “Huge congratulations to Luc and Stephanie for their excellent Crufts win. Their bond was clear from their teamwork and it was fantastic to see how obedient and well trained Luc was.
“Obedience competitors come from far and wide in the UK to showcase their skills at the show and the standard of dogs and their handlers who enter are always very impressive.”
Crufts took place from 7th - 10th March 2019 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information, please visit www.crufts.org.uk.
For free downloadable images from Crufts 2019, please go to www.ppauk.com.