Birmingham, UK: A four-year-old whippet from Venice, Italy, has claimed the Best in Show title at Crufts 2025, surpassing more than 18,000 competitors at Birmingham’s NEC.
Miuccia, owned by Enrico De Gaspari, first triumphed in the hound group before securing the prestigious top prize.
Judge Patsy Hollings made the final selection, marking history as Miuccia became the first Italian dog to win since the competition’s founding in 1891.
The victory also makes Miuccia only the fourth whippet to claim Best in Show since the award’s introduction in 1928.
Helen Kerfoot, Crufts show manager, said it was “fantastic” to watch Miuccia and her handler’s “strong relationship together in the ring, and they are truly deserving winners”.
Your Crufts Best in Show 2025 Winner is Miuccia the Whippet! A worthy winner! 👏 🏆 pic.twitter.com/2Y56lZZER2
— Crufts (@Crufts) March 9, 2025
Handler Giovanni Liguori called the win a dream come true, praising Miuccia’s exceptional performance and their strong bond. “She always wants to be close to me, and that’s what matters most,” he said.
The runner-up was Viking, a Tibetan mastiff from Romania.
Crufts, one of the world’s largest dog shows, is held annually in the UK and features competitions in agility, obedience, and heelwork to music.
The Best in Show title is awarded to the dog that best exemplifies its breed. It is the first time a dog from Italy has won best in show, which comes with a trophy and small cash prize of reportedly £200.
Crufts show manager Helen Kerfoot praised Miuccia and her handler for their impressive teamwork, calling them truly deserving winners.
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