Whippet called Miuccia crowned best in show at Crufts

A whippet called Miuccia has been crowned best in show at Crufts 2025 at the NEC in Birmingham.

Four-year-old Miuccia, from Venice in Italy, beat more than 18,000 dogs from around the world over the last four days to claim the top award on Sunday.

The four-year-old was chosen by judge Patsy Hollings, beating the winners of six other groups to bag the trophy.

It was the first time an Italian dog has won best in show at Crufts, and the fourth time for a whippet.

After winning the title, her handler Giovanni Liguori said: “It’s really a dream come true. I am truly overwhelmed. Miuccia performed her best.

“I absolutely adore her. She is the sweetest dog.

“She always wants to be super close to me and that’s the most important thing.”

Asked what it meant to handle the first dog from Italy to win Crufts, Giovanni said: “It’s incredible, it’s amazing.

The runner-up was Viking, a Tibetan mastiff from Romania.

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts show manager, said: “Congratulations to Miuccia who helped end this year’s competition on a real high, taking the prestigious Best in Show award alongside her handler, Giovanni Liguori.

“It has been fantastic to watch their strong relationship together in the ring, and they are truly deserving winners.

“Well done to all of our other wonderful finalists too. The dogs, their owners, and handlers should be incredibly proud to have taken part in such a momentous final – it’s an incredible achievement, one we are sure they’ll treasure for years to come.”