Magic Mike from Wallingford wins one of Britain’s largest dog shows

A dog named Magic Mike, who lives with Sara Robertson in Wallingford, Oxfordshire has won Best in Show at the prestigious Manchester Championship Dog Show in Stafford.

The 2½-year-old Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, whose official Kennel Club name is Champion Soletrader Magic Mike, beat 9,381 other dogs to claim the title at one of the UK’s largest dog shows. Mike is owned by Sara in partnership with Wendy Doherty of Ontario, Canada.

He was handled to his victory by Sara who has competed at dog shows since childhood. Her husband Gavin is no stranger to success either, as he handled Mike’s mother Jilly to Best in Show at Crufts in 2013, proving the old adage that ‘success breeds success’.

The Kennel Club recognises 220 breeds of pedigree dog. The rough-coated Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen – usually referred to as the PBGV by devotees of the breed – was originally bred to trail hare in the bramble-filled terrain of the Vendée district of France. They are active, happy and independent and also willing to please.

Being a hound breed, they do need regular walks, not only to stimulate their brains but also to use their noses in different areas. However, care must be taken to exercise them only in enclosed spaces or on a lead, as otherwise, being a pack animal (which means they get on well with other PBGVs), they may run away. Their casual-looking coat requires a quick brush once a week to remove any loose and dead hair.

Sara said: “It was such an amazing feeling of joy and pride when Mike was chosen as the Best in Show winner. You picture it happening but never think it will be your own dog which gets selected.  Mike is such a sweet boy and loves the girls he lives with and totally adores our two children. PBGVs are a breed which enjoys life regardless of what sort of day you may be having yourself – they always make you smile.”

For more information on all breeds of pedigree dog, and to find out which breed of dog might suit your lifestyle, visit our Breeds A to Z.