Champion whippet Miuccia. Getty Images
A whippet from Venice, Italy, named Miuccia, has won the prestigious Best in Show title at the 2025 Crufts dog show in Birmingham. Competing against more than 18,000 dogs from around the world, the four-year-old whippet claimed the top prize on Sunday at the NEC.
Miuccia’s handler, Giovanni Liguori, expressed his joy after the big win. “It’s really a dream come true. I am truly overwhelmed. Miuccia performed her best,” he said. This victory marks the first time a dog from Italy has won Best in Show at Crufts. Along with the trophy, Miuccia received a small cash prize of approximately £200.
Miuccia, owned by Enrico De Gaspari, first won the hound group category before competing against six other group winners for the final title. The proud handler couldn’t contain his excitement. “I absolutely adore her,” Liguori said. “She is the sweetest dog. She always wants to be super close to me, and that’s the most important thing.”
Winning Crufts is a huge achievement, and being the first Italian dog to claim the title made the moment even more special. “As Italians, we are super proud. It means that we are doing a fantastic job,” Liguori added.
Whippet Miuccia stands with handler Giovanni Liguori and judge Patsy Hollings. Getty Images
Helen Kerfoot, the show manager, praised Miuccia and Liguori for their incredible performance. “It was fantastic to watch their strong relationship in the ring. They are truly deserving winners,” she said. She also congratulated all the other finalists. “The dogs, their owners, and handlers should be incredibly proud to have reached such a momentous final. It’s an achievement they will cherish for years to come.”
The runner-up was Viking, a Tibetan mastiff from Romania. The competition was fierce, but Miuccia stole the show with her grace and charm, making history as the first Italian dog to take home the grand prize.
