Raffa, a Papillon from Sweden, and owner Asta Maria Gudbergsdottir, won the Toy group title at Crufts 2024 today (Thursday 7 March), qualifying them for one of just seven places in the Best in Show final on Sunday evening.
Raffa (Ch Fashion First High Priority), aged two, handled and owned by Asta Maria will return to the Resorts World Arena at the NEC Birmingham on Sunday 10 March, along with six other dogs, to compete for the coveted Best in Show title at Crufts.
People around Britain and the world will be watching to see which dog is crowned Best in Show on Sunday, as the final is shown live on Channel 4 and available to be streamed on the official Crufts YouTube channel.
Over 19,000 dogs are competing over 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 Asta Maria said: “I can’t believe it! Raffa is almost three, he is an Icelandic, Swedish and Danish champion and he’s never been to such a big show before! He is just a star!
"I could not believe it when the judge picked us. It has always been a dream to win at Crufts!"
Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Congratulations to Raffa and Asta Maria on winning the Toy group title this evening and earning a spot in the coveted Best in Show final at Crufts 2024.
“Crufts celebrates healthy, happy dogs and recognises the special and unique relationship between dogs and their owners. Raffa and Asta Maria demonstrated a wonderful bond in the ring today to the judge and the arena of onlookers.”