NEC, BIRMINGHAM, 07 MARCH, 2026: Marnie, an eight-year-old Terrier cross owned by 77 year old Lyn Freeman from Harlow, Essex, has won the Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year title at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, on Saturday 7 March.
Marnie was one of four crossbreed finalists in the national Scruffts competition, which is exclusively supported by pet food makers James Wellbeloved.
Hundreds of dogs competed in qualifying heats around the country in 2024, with 24 dogs and their owners taking part in the semi-finals, which also took place at Crufts earlier on Saturday.
The four finalists were judged by Dame Laura Kenny, and dog judge David Craig, who were looking for qualities such as good character, health and temperament with people and other dogs.
The Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year competition is run by the Royal Kennel Club, which organises Crufts, and caters exclusively for crossbreed dogs: dogs whose parents are of two different breeds, or a mixture of several breeds.
The four finalists were:
· Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog: Chip, a Spaniel (Cocker)/ Labrador Retriever cross, owned by Carrie Harris, aged 53.
· Good Citizen Dog Scheme: Rocky, a German Shepherd Dog/Border Collie cross owned by Jenny Michell, aged 54.
· Golden Oldie Crossbreed: Marnie, a Terrier cross, owned by Lyn Freeman, aged 77.
· Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch: Betty, a Whippet/Norfolk Terrier cross, handled by Ollie Irwin, aged 12 from Banbury, Oxfordshire – winning for the second-year running.
As well as the Scruffts Crossbreed Family Dog of the Year title, Marnie received a year’s supply of healthy hypo-allergenic dog food from James Wellbeloved.
James Wellbeloved Brand Manager, Sonja Hartomo said: "Huge congratulations to Lyn and Marnie on their fantastic achievement – it was clear to see the pair have a truly special bond and they are very deserving winners.
“James Wellbeloved is very proud to be exclusive supporters of this wonderful competition which celebrates the nation’s wonderful crossbreed dogs.”
Crufts takes place from 5-8 March 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.