Crufts 2025 Best in Show Result Sparks Outrage as Fans Claim Favorite ‘Robbed’

Crufts 2025 Best in Show Winner Sparks Outrage as Fans Claim Jack Russell Was "Robbed"

Crufts faced backlash after crowning four-year-old whippet Miuccia as Best in Show at the 2025 event, with fans arguing Jack Russell Ana was unfairly denied the title. The prestigious dog show, held in Birmingham, drew over 18,000 competitors worldwide. Miuccia, owned by Enrico De Gaspar and handled by Giovanni Liguori, made history as the first Italian dog to win the top prize.

[Image 1: Miuccia the whippet posing elegantly. Caption: Best in Show winner Miuccia made history as the first Italian dog to claim the Crufts crown.]

Judge Patsy Hollings praised Miuccia’s “beautiful elegance,” selecting her over six other group winners, including Tibetan Mastiff Viking (runner-up) and Terrier Group champion Ana, the Jack Russell. While Miuccia’s handler called the win a “dream come true,” fans erupted online, claiming Ana was the true crowd favorite.

[Image 2: Ana the Jack Russell mid-performance. Caption: Fan-favorite Ana won the Terrier Group but missed the top prize, sparking outrage.]

The show’s narrator even noted Ana was the “public winner,” fueling frustration. Social media exploded with criticism:

• “JRT should have won. Shocking decision!”
• “The Jack Russell performed the best—judges need Specsavers!”
• “Second year in a row the Jack Russell was robbed!”

[Image 3: Screenshots of angry tweets. Caption: Fans flooded social media, calling the decision “unjust.”]

Critics argued smaller breeds like Jack Russells are consistently overlooked. Meanwhile, Miuccia’s victory marked the fourth whippet win in Crufts’ history, celebrated by her team for her grace and charm.

The controversy overshadowed a lighthearted moment during the broadcast, where host Clare Balding giggled as a playful Cocker Spaniel interrupted her introduction.

Despite the uproar, Crufts upheld its judging standards, leaving fans divided over whether elegance or crowd appeal should prevail.

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