Siberian Husky from Nottinghamshire wins place in Crufts Best in Show final

Akela, a six-year-old Siberian Husky from Mansfield, and his owner Jess Allen won the working group title at Crufts 2022 today (Thursday 10 March), qualifying him for a place in the Best in Show final on Sunday.

Akela (CH Siberiadrift Keep The Love For Zimavolk) will return to the Resorts World Arena at the NEC in Birmingham for a place in the final at the world’s biggest dog show, Crufts, with his handler Jess.

People from around Britain and the world will be watching to see which dog is crowned Best in Show on Sunday as the final is filmed live on Channel 4 and available to be streamed on the official Crufts YouTube Channel. Over 16,000 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.

The proud owner Jess said: “I can’t believe that we have won, he is just a dream dog, but I never thought we would do this well. I can’t stop crying from happiness. This is my childhood dream come true, I always watched Crufts as a child and I loved animals growing up, always wanting a Husky – but to have a Crufts winning show dog is just amazing. He’s got a cheeky character and he’s very noisy but he is also a cuddle monster, and thinks he’s a cat – he climbs on your shoulders and, as big as he is, he gets in the smallest of spaces."

Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, said: “The performance of Jess and Alexa today enabling the pair to progress to the prestigious Best in Show final on Sunday is a great achievement for them both. They should both be incredibly proud of their hard work and determination.

“Crufts recognises the special and unique bond between dogs and their owners and celebrates healthy, happy dogs and the bond between Alexa and Jess clearly stood out to the judge. The calm and confident performance displayed by the pair in the ring showed high ability.

“We wish them lots of luck in what is sure to be an incredible performance in Best of Show on Sunday evening.”

For more information and results from today's show, visit the Crufts website.