A dog from Larkhill was named the ‘Most Handsome Crossbreed’ at DogFest West and will go on to compete in the semi-final hosted at Crufts in 2022. 

The two-year-old Kelpie/Collie crossbreed called Finley, owned by Ellie Stephens,23, won the regional heats in the annual Scruffts crossbreed dog competition run by The Kennel Club and will compete in the semi-final at the world-famous dog show, Crufts, next year. 

The Scruffts heat, the third of six being held this year, took place at The Bathurst Estate, Cirencester, as part of DogFest West on September 18th and 19th . 

The competition attracted crossbreeds and their owners from all over the region but judges could only choose four to go to the next stage, selecting the lucky few for their good character, health, personality and temperament. 

The overall winners of the semi-final will have the chance to compete in the final, at NEC Birmingham between March 10-13th. 

Salisbury Journal:

Ellie said: “We feel over the moon and excited with Finley’s result at the show, especially as this was his first time entering!

"He always receives so many compliments, but I still never thought we’d get to be a semi-finalist at Scruffts, so me and my boyfriend, Mike, were both surprised and happy with the result.

"We can’t wait to go to Crufts next March and see all of the other dogs in the show too!” 

The Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition, supported by pet food makers James Wellbeloved, is open to all crossbreeds and mixed breed dogs, of all shapes, sizes and age aged over six months. 

James Wellbeloved Marketing Manager Lucy Williams said: “Congratulations to our four brilliant semi-finalists who have all qualified to Crufts next year. 

“It was a fantastic day at DogFest West at The Bathurst Estate and we were impressed by all the entrants who took part.

“James Wellbeloved is very proud to exclusively support Scruffts and we’re looking forward to seeing how our semi-finalists progress.”

The winners, who will receive goodies from the competition’s sponsor were:

  • Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog: two-year-old Finley the Kelpie/Collie cross owned by Ellie Stephens from Larkhill, Wiltshire
  • Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch: eight-year-old Lily the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel/Bichon Frise cross owned by Sally Franklin from Long Compton, Warwickshire
  • Golden Oldie Crossbreed: 11-year-old Noah the mixed breed owned by Claire Roles-Wain from Harbury, Warwickshire
  • Good Citizen Dog Scheme: four-year-old Luna the mixed breed owned by Michelle Down from Looe, Cornwall

For more information visit scruffts.org.uk.  

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