Crufts’ most successful breed has won the prize seven times (Image: Getty)
Excitement is building as draws near, with thousands of dog lovers set to gather at the NEC Birmingham from March 6 to 9.
The world’s largest and most prestigious dog show will welcome more than 18,000 – competing in categories ranging from agility and obedience to the highly coveted Best in Show title.
First held in 1891 and organised by The Kennel Club, the competition primarily focuses on conformation judging, where dogs are assessed on how well they meet their breed standards.
But Crufts is much more than just a beauty contest. The event also features thrilling competitions such as agility, flyball, and heelwork to music, along with a massive trade exhibition showcasing dog-related products and services.
Each year, thousands of dogs from around the world qualify to compete in their breed categories before advancing to group judging. The winners of the seven breed groups – Toys, Gundogs, Utility, Hounds, Working, Pastoral, and Terriers – then face off for the prestigious Best in Show title.
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Over the decades, some breeds have dominated the event, winning multiple titles and proving their excellence in the ring. But one breed stands above the rest when it comes to Crufts success. The English Cocker Spaniel holds the record for the most Best in Show wins, securing the title seven times – three more victories than any other breed.
This affectionate and energetic gun dog has long been a favourite in the show ring, known for its lively personality, wagging tail, and intelligent expression. The breed’s dominance at Crufts is largely thanks to Herbert Summers Lloyd, the legendary breeder behind the famous “of Ware” kennel.
H.S. Lloyd was a towering figure in the dog show world, shaping the English Cocker Spaniel breed standard and producing champions that remain legendary to this day. Between 1930 and 1950, his Cocker Spaniels won six Best in Show titles, an achievement unmatched by any other breeder. His champions included Luckystar of Ware (1930, 1931), Exquisite of Ware (1938, 1939), and Tracey Witch of Ware (1948, 1950).
Since Lloyd’s time, the breed has won just one more Best in Show title, in 1996. Despite this, Cocker Spaniels remain hugely popular, with 370 of them set to compete at Crufts 2025.
The English Cocker Spaniel is Crufts’ most successful breed (Image: Getty)
While the English Cocker Spaniel leads the way, several other breeds have also made their mark at Crufts: Irish Setters, Standard Poodles, and Welsh Terriers have each won Best in Show four times. Meanwhile, English Setters, Flat-Coated Retrievers, German Shepherds, Greyhounds, Labrador Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, Whippets, and Wire Fox Terriers have all secured three victories.
The English Cocker Spaniel is not only a top-tier show dog but also an exceptional working gun dog. Originally bred to flush out woodcock (hence the name “Cocker”), the breed is known for its endless enthusiasm, loyalty, and keen hunting instincts.
Today, there are two recognised types of Cocker Spaniels: Working Cockers – leaner, with shorter ears and a higher energy drive, making them excellent for hunting and detection work – and Show Cockers – with longer coats, slightly droopier ears, and a more compact build, making them ideal for the conformation ring.
Plenty of celebrities and influencers have shown off their Cocker Spaniels on social media – including cleaning icon . Other famous faces who have owned them in the past are Marilyn Monroe, and Oprah Winfrey.
For those eager to experience Crufts 2025, tickets are available on the official website or at the event’s box office, starting from £27. Secure your spot at this world-class event by visiting the or watch it live on Channel 4 and More 4.