A Northwich recruitment manager made sure it was a double celebration at this year’s Crufts after he and his four-legged friend strolled away with a top prize on the 125th anniversary of the world’s largest dog show.
Tony Bolland, 39, of Church Road, and his ten-month-old Mexican Hairless dog Schlitzie fought off competition from a host of other dogs to scoop the coveted Best of Breed award.
Schlitzie was one of nearly 22,000 healthy, happy dogs expected to visit Birmingham’s NEC before the end of the weekend for the prestigious dog show, which first took place in 1891 where it featured just 2,437 entries.
And after seeing his beloved pet pooch put his best paw forward at this year’s Crufts, presented by the Kennel Club, Mr Bolland was left beaming with pride at his and Schlitzie’s performance in the West Midlands.
“It feels absolutely amazing to win Best of Breed,” he said. “It’s a massive achievement for us as it’s the first time I’ve ever shown him.
“Schlitzie has absolutely cleaned up on everything and I’m so proud of him.
“It’s all been very exciting and I’m still in shock because I’ve never even been to Crufts before, never mind competed, and it’s brilliant to win in such an important year for the show.
“I’ve actually only had Schlitzie for about five weeks, but he’s really bonded with me and has obviously done fantastic for himself.
“Hopefully, this is the start of a really special bond.”
