Alan, a Lakeland Terrier from Uttoxeter in Staffordshire, won the Terrier Best in Group title at Crufts 2017 today (Thursday 9th March), qualifying him for a place in the Best in Show final on Sunday. 

Alan (Champion Saredon Enigma), who is only 20 months old, will return to the Genting Arena at the NEC in Birmingham on Sunday for a place in the final at the world’s biggest dog show, Crufts, with his handler, John Averis.  Alan is owned by Johann Schembri and Tony Barker and was bred by John, who is a Kennel Club Assured Breeder.

Second place in the Terrier group went to the West Highland White Terrier, with the Dandie Dinmont and Kerry Blue in 3rd and 4th.

Shortlisted were: the Bedlington, the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Irish, the Jack Russell (exhibiting at Crufts for the first time), the Norfolk, and the Scottie. 

People around Britain and the world will be watching to see which dog is crowned Best in Show on Sunday as the final is filmed live on Channel 4 and available to stream on the official Crufts YouTube Channel – www.youtube.com/crufts.

Around 22,000 dogs will compete over the four days for one of just seven places in the Crufts final and a chance to win the most celebrated title in the world of dogs. 

The Lakeland Terrier is a Vulnerable Native Breed.

John Averis, who bred Alan and handled him in the ring, said: “This is amazing.  Alan is only 20 months old but you’ve got to go in to the ring hoping to win and being optimistic.

“This dog has quite a history – his grandfather, grandmother and mother were all Best of Breeds at Crufts so he had a lot to follow and I believe he excelled himself.  We spend a lot of time training Alan and it has paid off.

“To me it is the highest honour to win the Terrier group at Crufts.  Time now for a pint and a curry and to look forward to Sunday.”

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We are delighted to see Alan chosen as the Best in Group winner today. Johann, Tony and John should all be very proud of Alan for reaching the prestigious Best in Show final, it’s an incredible achievement and one that not many get to experience in their lifetime.

“Crufts celebrates happy, healthy dogs and recognises the special and unique bond between dogs and their owners. Alan is such a lovely dog that clearly has a great relationship with his handler, and is clearly at home in the show ring.

“It’s only day one of four and the final is bound to be exciting. We want to wish Alan and his owners and handler the best of luck in the ring, we are sure that all of Uttoxeter will be turning on Channel 4 on Sunday to cheer them on.”

For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The full results for Crufts 2017 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk.