Kidderminster dog crowned UK's top vulnerable breed at Crufts

Barney [Ch Brakemill Barnum ShCM], a 7-year-old Skye Terrier owned by Jane Curtis from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, won the grand final of the Kennel Club Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition at Crufts on Thursday 7 March.

Jane and Barney won the Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition in front of a packed Resorts World Arena at the NEC in Birmingham, beating 15 other vulnerable breeds to be crowned winner. Barney is no stranger to Crufts - he has been awarded Best in Breed for the last two years and this was his third appearance in the Vulnerable Native Breeds competition final.

The Kennel Club Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition helps raise awareness of rare native breeds whose annual puppy registrations stand at fewer than 300, thus leaving them at risk from disappearing from the UK’s streets and parks. Just 50 Skye Terriers were registered with the Kennel Club in 2018.

Jane commented on her win: “I can’t believe we won. Initially I was in shock and then you realise it’s what you aim for – winning something major in the big ring at Crufts. Barney has been in the final three times and was shortlisted on his two previous appearances, but now he has won it. I bred him which makes it all the more special!

“These breeds could die out if we don’t give them exposure so it's great to be here to promote them. Skye Terriers are rapidly declining and we need to get people interested in the breed because - as you can see - they’re glamorous, but they are a terrier!”

Barney was chosen by judge Paul Eardley as having the best overall quality evident from each of the 16 dogs representing their breeds.

The Kennel Club launched this competition for dog show exhibitors who show vulnerable British and Irish breeds, to raise awareness of these breeds and to recognise those who are dedicated to their survival and prosperity.

The competition, which was open to all vulnerable breeds competing at designated championship shows, enabled dogs that are on the Kennel Club’s vulnerable breeds list to collect points to qualify them for the final at Crufts.

Mr J and Mrs M B Stephens’ Curly Coated Retriever, Sh Ch Brightmeadow Never Say Die ScCH JW was named as Reserve Best Vulnerable Breed.

The other 2019 finalists were:

  • Clumber Spaniel,  Mrs L J Thorogood’s Sh Ch Winhampton Over The Yardarm Of Harrifield
  • Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Miss H Buckley’s German Dandies Violetta
  • English Setter, Mrs H S & Prof S M Stewart & Quenby’s Tattersett Galileo
  • English Toy Terrier, H Nowell & S Crossling’s Njabulo Jakayla
  • Field Spaniel, Mr M L Fowkes’s Sh Ch Sonnetend Finishing Touch At Shirmal
  • Gordon Setter, Mrs G M Seymour’s Pegasett Black N'tantrum
  • Irish Red And White Setter,  Mrs A Tattersall’s Sh Ch Alanea Summer Cottage
  • Irish Water Spaniel, Mrs J L Carruthers’ Sh Ch Gloi Donn All Or Nothing At Stanegate
  • King Charles Spaniel, Mr R G & Mrs K M Stewart’s Kasamanda Just A Dream For Marchog
  • Manchester Terrier,  Mr K Carter’s Ch Digelsa Declaration
  • Otterhound, Miss M Lerego & Mr & Mrs S & A Smith’s Ch Teckelgarth Maximus
  • Smooth Collie, Miss L Eke’s Foxearth Flag Day
  • Sussex Spaniel, Mr A & Mrs S Hughes’ Sh Ch Ivcar Anything Goes

Tom Mather, Crufts Chairman, said: “Congratulations to Ch Brakemill Barnum ShCM and Jane on this fantastic achievement. We are very thankful to both Jane and everyone who has collected points for this competition for their dedication and passion for their breeds; their commitment is a true testament to their hard work ensuring that these vulnerable British and Irish breeds continue to be a part of our society.”

Read more information on the vulnerable British and Irish breeds or email our breed shows team.

For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The results for Crufts 2019 can be found online at  www.press.fossedata.co.uk. For free downloadable images from Crufts 2019, please go to  www.ppauk.com.