Spencer, a Miniature Schnauzer from County Durham, and his owner Thomas Braithwaite, won the Utility group title at Crufts 2026 today (Saturday 7 March), qualifying them for one of just seven places in the Best in Show final on Sunday evening.
Spencer (Ch Wellingley Won for The Road JW), aged 22 months, handled by Thomas Braithwaite, bred by Liz Longdin, will return to the bp Pulse LIVE arena at the NEC Birmingham on Sunday 8 March, along with six other dogs, to compete for the coveted Best in Show title at Crufts.
People around Britain and the world will be watching to see which dog is crowned Best in Show, as the final is shown live on Channel 4 and available to be streamed on the official Crufts YouTube Channel.
18,600 dogs are competing at Crufts for a chance to win the most celebrated title in the world of dogs, Best in Show.
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of the Royal Kennel Club, said: “Many congratulations to Thomas and Spencer on winning the Utility Group title and securing their place in the Crufts 2026 Best in Show final. Crufts celebrates healthy, happy dogs and the
special relationship they share with their handlers, and that bond was clearly evident in the ring today.”
Crufts takes place from 5 - 8 March 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.