Vizsla Wins Crufts Best in Show

The largest and oldest dog show in the world today, Crufts, awarded best in show for 2010 to a Hungarian Vizsla. A very prestigious reward for a very handsome dog!

Yogi Does Better This Year

Ash Chi/Aust Ch Hungergunn Bear It'n Mind, whose pet name is Yogi, took best in show at this year's Crufts dog show in the UK. Last year Yogi was outdone by a Sealyham Terrier from the United States named Charmin. This year after winning the Gundog Group, he advanced into the highly competitive Best in Show category and came out the winner. He competed against 6 other group winners which included a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Pharoah Hound, Maltese Terrier, Scottish Terrier, an Akita and a Rottweiler.

This is not only the first for this highly decorated dog, but also the first time a Vizsla has taken Best in Show in the history of the Crufts dog show. The award has been in existence for 79 years and there are 41 breeds that hold this honorable title. Cocker Spaniels hold the most Best in Show trophies at Crufts, followed by the Welsh Terrier and the Irish Terrier both of whom have won 4 times. Yogi is the first in his breed ever; therefore his owners have indeed earned bragging rights!

Yogi is currently co-owned by Naomi Cragg and Kathryn Armstrong from Carlisle, Cumbria. His handler at the Crufts dog show was John Thirlwell.

Upon winning the Best in Show title, John Thirlwell claimed:

"It hasn't sunk in, it is just so surreal. Yogi is seven now and has had a fantastic year. We are just absolutely delighted!"

The Kennel Club Communications Director, Caroline Kisko, said:

"We give our congratulations to Naomi, Kathryn and Yogi who has taken the prestigious Best in Show Award."

So What is Crufts?

The Crufts dog show is named for its founder, Charles Crufts, who was destined to be a jeweler by trade and follow in his family's business. However, he surprised his family by dropping out of college in 1878 and joined a new venture selling dog cakes. From there he was invited to Paris for the Paris exposition and brought the first Crufts dog show to London in 1891.

Today, entries come from many different countries and are praised for being the best in their breed on many occasions.

Yogi has the most show wins in the history of dog shows, but none as important as Best of Show.

A Bit About the Vizsla

The Vizsla is a medium-sized dog with a rather short coat. Originally the breed came from Hungary. It wasn't until the 1950's, however, that they started to appear in the United States of America. The ancestors of the breed were not only hunters, but they were also considered close companions for a tribe that settled in what is now known as Hungary, called the Magyar horde. They have since developed into the beautiful strong breed that they are today.

Originally bred as a hunting dog, the Vizsla breed almost became extinct after World War I and World War II. These dogs are revered for their superior nose and sense of smell, as well as their excellent hunting ability and quickly became accustomed to the Hungarian climate. They were frequently used to hunt game, rabbits and waterfowl.

Revered in the show ring as well as on the hunting fields, this medium sized dog is a lively and affectionate breed that loves his people. They are quite easy to train and are well suited for active families. Shedding is there as it is with all dogs, but the Vizsla's short wiry hair is an easy cleanup with minimal daily maintenance.

The AKC recognized the Vizsla in 1960 as part of the Sporting Group. Their average size is 21 to 24 inches of power and loyalty, which adds up to a great family companion and an extremely good hunting dog.

Photo Credit: Opalset