Clumber Spaniel Soloist Takes Top Prize at Crufts 2026 in Birmingham
The prestigious Best in Show title at Crufts 2026 has been awarded to Soloist, an adorable Clumber Spaniel, in a thrilling conclusion to the world's largest dog competition held in Birmingham. Soloist triumphed over thousands of canine competitors, securing the coveted award and bringing joy to its owner and breed enthusiasts alike.
A Dream Win for a Vulnerable Breed
Soloist's owner expressed overwhelming delight at the victory, stating, "Just amazing, I can't believe it. It's just wonderful for this breed." They added, "He's a dog of a lifetime... he's just wonderful. He's a bit of a diva, likes his own way, very chilled but never lets me down." This win holds special significance as the Clumber Spaniel is classified as a "vulnerable native breed" by the UK Kennel Club, with fewer than 300 new registrations each year, highlighting the importance of such achievements for breed preservation.
Reserve Winner and Event Highlights
The reserve Best in Show was named as Meghan, a four-year-old Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen from Croatia, showcasing the international flair of the competition. Over 18,000 dogs participated in Crufts this year, making it a massive event for dog lovers worldwide. Last year's winner was Miuccia, a four-year-old Whippet from Italy, handled by Giovanni Liguori, marking the first Italian dog to win Best in Show at Crufts.
Full List of 2026 Group Winners
Here are all the other worthy finalists who won their respective groups at Crufts 2026:
- Day One - Working Group Winner: Dzhozias Viking, a Tibetan Mastiff.
- Day One - Pastoral Group Winner: Penliath Bill Me Later, a Welsh Corgi.
- Day Two - Terrier Group Winner: Under Pressure Foxhouse (Imp Mlt), a Lakeland Terrier, handled by Mr W & Mr W & Ms C Schembri & Browne-Cole & Davani.
- Day Two - Hound Group Winner: Black Majesty Some Say, a Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit), handled by Mrs I Raic.
- Day Three - Toy Group Winner: Dublin, taking the top spot in the Toy dog category.
- Day Three - Utility Group Winner: Spencer, winner of the Utility group.
- Day Four - Gundog Group Winner: Soloist, the Clumber Spaniel who went on to win Best in Show.
The event continues to celebrate canine excellence, with each group winner demonstrating outstanding breed standards and handler skill. Crufts 2026 has once again highlighted the diversity and talent of dogs from around the globe, solidifying Birmingham's role as a key host for this iconic competition.
