Viking, a three-year-old Australian shepherd from Solihull, beats 24,000 dogs to win Best in Show at Crufts, amidst a vibrant atmosphere and a brief disruption by Peta activists.
A three-year-old Australian shepherd named Viking was crowned Best in Show at Crufts, the prestigious dog show held at the NEC in Birmingham, after competing against 24,000 dogs from around the globe. The event, which spanned over four days, saw Viking, hailing from Solihull, Birmingham, and co-owned by Melanie Raymond, John Shaw, and Kerry Kirtley, excelling in the pastoral group, setting the stage for his victory. Melanie Raymond, a third-generation dog breeder, shared her excitement about the win. The Australian shepherd breed, originally developed in America as a sheepdog, is celebrated for its beautiful colors and athletic prowess.
Additionally, a nine-year-old Jack Russell terrier named Zen from Japan clinched the title of reserve dog after winning in the terrier group. The show, which is one of the largest and most prestigious of its kind globally, brought together thousands of dogs, showcasing their talents and contributing to a vibrant atmosphere for dog lovers and breeders.
The event, however, experienced a moment of disruption due to a protest by activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta). The activists were removed from the arena for attempting to disrupt the proceedings. Despite this, The Kennel Club spokesperson highlighted Crufts’ commitment to educating visitors about responsible dog ownership.
Viking’s win at Crufts 2024 represents a significant achievement for the Australian shepherd breed, underscoring the passion and dedication within the competitive dog show community.
