Crufts' biggest dramas - from rebel dog running wild to poisoning allegations
Crufts holds a special place in many people's hearts, and the iconic show brings a whole lot of joy to the canine community every single year. But the most memorable parts are usually when something goes very, very wrong.
As the world-famous show comes to an end for another year today, we look back on the biggest scandals, dramas and unforgettable moments at Crufts - including the times we laughed, cried and felt angry.
From the rescue dog that got to enjoy freedom live on air, to the fluffy pooch that took a poorly-timed toilet break and the more serious poisoning, animal abuse and biting allegations.
Rebel rescue dog became fan favourite
Sally the rescue dog chose to ignore the rules at agilityLast year, a cheeky dog took centre stage at Crufts' rescue dog agility by excitedly breaking free and running wild.
Sally entered the arena with her owner in tow ready to wow the 6,000 spectators in the stands as well as the thousands watching on at home.
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Once unleashed, the handler expected Sally to attempt the course just like they had practised - but the adorable pooch had other ideas.
The medium-sized dog zoomed around the stadium ignoring all jumps and obstacles in her path, simply enjoying her "freedom" after a long day of waiting around.
One commentator said: "Here we go, she's off. This is more like it. This is what we want from rescue dog agility.
"Why should I come back when everybody is laughing at me - I am the centre of attention and it's pretty great."
Speaking the dog's mind, another commentator added: "I'm just going to enjoy this arena. This is my time to shine - a few laps.
"I see this lovely big space and that means I can have a good old run around."
Best in Show pooch cocked a leg
Waffle made her mark during the Best in Show parade (AFP via Getty Images)Without fail, every single year there is a competing pooch that just cannot keep it in. Waffle the cuddly toy poodle was the dog who hilariously made his mark in 2022.
The adorable pup bounded onto the green arena with his owner Tom Isherwood to compete in the prestigious final Best in Show competition last year.
And just as the Channel 4 commentator was heard describing how glamorous he looked, the toy poodle stopped to cock his leg and take a leak.
The commentator paused, then added: "Ah. Oh dear. No standing on ceremony here so here we are, striding out."
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His co-commentator added: "It's a number one. Making his mark on the way in."
Miraculously, Waffle was still crowned the reserve winner of Best in Show.
Disqualified for a poorly-timed poo break
La Lady Luna ruined her chances of winning with a famous pooTaking it one step further, La Lady Luna was competing in Crufts' 2022 medium ABC final agility with her handler Maddie Newton, when she spoiled her chances of winning.
The nine-year-old pooch just couldn't hold it in when nature called.
La Lady Luna was performing well over the first few obstacles before dodging a tunnel to instead release yesterday's dinner.
A commentator said: "Well when you've got to go, you've got to go."
Handler Maddie Newton collapsed over in disappointment when she saw La Lady Luna sneaking off for a toilet trip during the course.
The commentator added: "I think that's know as stopping for a bit of pressing business.
"That's an elimination and another one for the bloopers section."
Handing the poo bag to the judge, Maddie and La Lady Luna completed the course despite already being disqualified.
Death sparked poisoning allegation
Jagger sadly passed away less than 24 hours after Crufts 2015In 2015, Jagger the Irish setter died a few days after competing in Crufts, sparking allegations of poisoning within the grounds.
A shih tzu, a Western Highland terrier and an Afghan hound also suffered serious illnesses, it was claimed.
It was originally believed that Jagger was killed in a 'murder' plot, but it later transpired the pooch digested the poison when he got home from Crufts.
According to The Kennel Club, a post-mortem found two poisons in beef that was eaten by the three-year-old dog in Belgium. The two poisons are said to be banned in the EU.
Speaking at the time, Caroline Kisko, from The Kennel Club, said: "There has been a lot of concern about whether the poisoning happened at Crufts.
"We are now able to reassure all dog lovers who came to Crufts that this could not have been possible and it is highly likely that the poisons, thought to be on a piece of beef, were eaten in Belgium, shortly before Jagger's death."
Picked up a dog by the tail
Rebecca fell under scrutiny for her 'habit' of handling Knopa (Getty Images)Again in 2015, the winner of Crufts Best in Show came under fire after picking her Scottish terrier up by the tail.
More than 70,000 people signed a petition calling for the winner, Rebecca Cross, to be stripped of her title for alleged cruelty.
The online petition stated: "Strip Rebecca Cross of her Best In Show award at Crufts 2015 for her unduly harsh handling of the Scottish terrier, Knopa.
"Under KC Rule A42 Ms Cross is guilty of 'behaving discreditably and prejudicially to the interests of the canine world' and should be held accountable."
Rebecca apologised and said it was "just a habit".
'Most obedient dog' bit someone
Eddie the Akita left a woman with serious injuries at Crufts (BPM MEDIA)
Eddie's owner Lorain was convicted of handling a dangerous dog (BPM MEDIA)An owner whose dog won an award for obedience ended up in court after her dog then bit into another pet owner's knee at Crufts.
Lorain Ronis, 52, had been celebrating after her Akita, Eddie, won an obedience prize at the prestigious dog show in March 2013 when the incident happened.
She was convicted of having a dangerously out-of-control dog, and was given a 12-month community order.
Streaker interrupted judging
A streaker interrupted judging for the gundog group at the 2010 show, who ran around the presentation area with 'istreak.com' emblazoned on his naked torso.
Hairy end to the 1998 show
In 1998, it was calculated that 340kg of canine fuzz would need to be cleared from the NEC in Birmingham following the show.
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