Howard, a Papillon from Dublin, Ireland won the Toy Group title at Crufts 2018 today (Saturday 10th March), qualifying them for a place in the Best in Show Final on Sunday.
Howard (whose official Kennel Club name is Multi CH Expana’s Sea Dragon Conqueror), aged 7, will return to the Genting Arena at the NEC in Birmingham for a place at the final at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, with his handler Sean Carroll, who co-owns Howard with his nephew James Newman.
People around Britain and the world will be watching to see which dog is crowned Best in Show on tomorrow as the final is shown live on Channel 4 and streamed on the official Crufts YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/crufts.
Almost 21,000 dogs are competing over the four days for one of just seven places in the Crufts final and a chance to win the most celebrated title in the world of dogs.
Proud owner Sean said: “I could see the judge walking towards me but I was concentrating on my dog, and then she got closer and closer and suddenly I realised it was going to be Howard.
“It was an absolutely amazing feeling. Howard was the top dog of all breeds in Ireland for 2017 and we are going to celebrate tonight with friends.”
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We are delighted to see Howard chosen as the Toy Group winner today. Howard and Sean should be very proud of reaching the prestigious Best in Show final – it’s an incredible achievement and one that not many get to experience in their lifetime.
“Crufts celebrates healthy, happy dogs and recognises the special and unique bond between dogs and their owners. Howard is such an excellent dog that clearly has a great relationship with his handler, and is at home in the show ring.
“It’s only day three of four and the final is looking very exciting. We want to wish Howard and Sean the best of luck in the ring – we are sure that all of Ireland will be cheering them on.”
For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The results for Crufts 2018 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk. For free downloadable images from Crufts 2018, please go to www.Flick.media/crufts_2018/