Fawkes, a ten year-old Border Collie, and his owner Caroline Garrett, from Hove, East Sussex, won the Heelwork to Music Final at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts.
Caroline and Fawkes (Wildsea Phoenix of Fire) beat nine other finalists to win the Heelwork to Music Final on Friday 6th March.
Each year Crufts hosts the finals of both heelwork to music and freestyle competitions. All advanced level dogs and handlers can qualify for Crufts by entering one or more of a series of qualifying events held throughout the year.
The participants devised routines of up to four minutes, set to music, and performed them with their dog in the Resorts World Arena at the NEC, Birmingham.
The proud owner Caroline said: “I’m absolutely delighted as Crufts has been a big goal of mine over the last months. I’m so proud of how well Fawkes performed today. I’ve already given him two new toys and he’s going to be getting lots of treats this evening!”
Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, commented: “Very well done to Fawkes and Caroline for an impressive routine in the main arena. Heelwork to music is a challenging activity that demands patience, skill and talent to perfect – it was wonderful to see so many wonderful dogs and their handlers at Crufts this year.”