Bearly, a Shih Tzu from Thailand, co-owned by Papitchaya Sukkonnoi and Vetri Duraisamy, won the Utility Group title at Crufts 2019 today (Sunday 10th March), qualifying him for a place in the Best in Show Final this evening.
Bearly, (Hearty Love Him if you Dare), aged two, will return to the Resorts World Arena at the NEC in Birmingham for a place in the final at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, with his handler Ekapot Puripanyapinan.
People around the world will be watching to see which dog is crowned Best in Show this evening 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 have competed 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 handler Ekapot said: “I am so happy and so excited. This is unbelievable, it is my first time at Crufts and I never expected to win. I have come from Thailand to take part!
“Bearly is such a happy dog.”
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We are thrilled to see Bearly chosen as the Utility Group winner today. Bearly and Ekapot 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. Bearly is such a wonderful dog that clearly has a great relationship with his owner, and is at home in the show ring.
“The final is set to be very exciting this evening. We want to wish Bearly and Ekapot the best of luck in the ring.”
For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The results for Crufts 2019 can be found online at http://crufts.fossedata.co.uk/ For free downloadable images from Crufts 2019, please go to www.ppauk.com.