Saffron, a nine-year-old Shetland Sheepdog from Banbury, Oxfordshire and her handler Lisa Sergiew, has triumphed at Crufts by winning the Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes Competition on Saturday 7 March.
The veteran Saffron beat 32 other talented dogs to be crowned the winner of the 2026 Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Stakes competition at the world’s greatest dog show, with the final overseen by highly experienced judge, Mr. R Armstrong. This was the 21st year the final has been held at Crufts.
The Good Citizen Dog Training scheme (GCDTS) competition was first held in 2005 to encourage owners of dogs who have passed their GCDTS Bronze Award to take part in obedience competitions as a potential gateway into dog exhibition. The exercises included in the test are a combination of current GCDTS exercises and the Pre-Beginner Obedience test. Building on the basic training skills learnt through the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme, this stakes class helps to bridge the gap between basic training and entering a competition. Dogs must have obtained their Good Citizen Bronze Award prior to the closing date of the show.
Dogs competing in the final had to qualify at one of the 31 heats held across the country last year with the winner from each heat qualifying for the final.
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of the Royal Kennel Club said: “Congratulations to Saffron and Lisa on delivering an excellent performance and showcasing the skills they’ve developed through the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme.
“The standard of competition was exceptionally high, so they should be extremely proud of what they’ve achieved. The Pre-Beginner Stakes provide a wonderful introduction to the world of obedience, giving dogs and owners the opportunity to build confidence and deepen their partnership - something clearly demonstrated by Saffron and Lisa.”
To find out more about the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme, please visit the Royal Kennel Club website.
Crufts took place between 5 - 8 March 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.