A Cardigan Welsh Corgi from Lancashire crowned UK's top vulnerable breed at Crufts

Libby, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, owned by Tracy Irving from Bolton, Lancashire, won the grand final of The Kennel Club Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition at Crufts, on Friday 10 March.

Four-year-old Libby (Ch Pi Et Ra of Trefilio Borntobe Avalanche JW (Imp Hun)), won the Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition in front of a packed Resorts World Arena at the NEC in Birmingham.

The Kennel Club Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition helps raise awareness of rare native breeds whose annual puppy registrations stand at fewer than 300, thus leaving them at risk of disappearing from the UK’s streets and parks.

There are two types of Welsh Corgi - the Pembroke and the Cardigan, and the latter is thought to be the older of the two, having traditionally been used as heelers, driving cattle by day and guarding them at night. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi have always been on The Kennel Club Vulnerable breed list. There were just 201 Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies registered with The Kennel Club in 2022.

Owner Tracy commented on Libby’s win: “It is a major win. The breed coming back into popularity but hopefully, this will encourage it a bit more.

“I was gobsmacked when it was announced that I had won! It is my first time winning the overall Vulnerable Breeds prize and it is absolutely amazing, particularly for the breed, I am really pleased. Libby is absolutely amazing, she is a legend.

“The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a big dog on little legs, they have got such a big attitude and personality!

“It is amazing to compete at Crufts, I have been doing it since I was small, and I love it!”

Libby was chosen by judge Patsy Hollings as having the best overall quality evident from other dogs in the final.

The Vulnerable Breeds competition, which was open to all vulnerable breeds competing at designated championship shows, enabled dogs that are on The Kennel Club’s vulnerable breeds list to qualify for the final at Crufts.

A Bloodhound, Ch Maplemead Malazar of Quikotic, owned by Miss L Priestley was named as Reserve Best Vulnerable Breed.

Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Congratulations to Libby and her owner on this fantastic achievement. We are very thankful to everyone who has qualified for this competition for their dedication and passion for their breeds; their commitment is a true testament to their hard work ensuring that these vulnerable British and Irish breeds continue to be a part of our society.”

More information about Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds is available on this page.

Crufts takes place from 9-12 March 2023 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit the Crufts website.

The following dogs were entered in the 2023 final at Crufts:

Bloodhound, Ch Maplemead Malazar of Quikotic, owned by Miss L Priestley

Collie (Smooth), Brackenhaye Queen Of Hearts of Oakestelle, Miss M Benton

Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Ch Danchester's Can You Hear Me Roar for Bonnybeck (Imp Fin), Miss L Sleight

English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan), Ch Witchstone Unexpected Gift, Mrs L & Mr G Dixon

Foxhound, Dazzleby Chorister, Mrs R Griffiths

Gordon Setter, Sh Ch Flaxheath Top Model at Glenmaurangi, Mrs A Phillips & Ms T Watkins

Greyhound, Ch Europa Decuma via Windspiel (imp Cze), Mrs E Newsham

Harrier, Henissy Fancy, Miss C Farrar

Irish Red & White Setter, Sh Ch Charnborough Charisma of Danwish JW, Miss T Gardner

Kerry Blue Terrier, Ch Showtime Lady at Lemracdream, Miss C Clarke-O'Neill

Lancashire Heeler, Leyeside Mister Wilds at Daweslean, Miss D Dawes

Manchester Terrier, Greenjack Norris Cole at Rosadyva, Mrs B & Mr J Harrison

Mastiff, Ch Cyberus Its All About Bertie for Womlu, Mr S & Mrs T Coulman-Hole

Otterhound, Ch Olphae Charman, Mrs S Lewis

Retriever (Curly Coated), Sh Ch Brightmeadow Never Say Die JW ShCM, Mr J & Mrs M Stephens

Sealyham Terrier, Ch Thornberryhall Touch Of Class (IKC), Messrs A Daly & K Crockett

Skye Terrier, Ch Flanagan Energizer at Feorlig (imp Svk), Mrs K & Mr E Ryan

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Ch Flaxela Perfect Storm (AI), Mrs P & Mr J Clarke

Spaniel (Clumber), Sh Ch Tweedsmuir She's So Sheek, Mr P & Mrs H Monaghan

Spaniel (Field), Sh Ch Nadavin Exclusive JW, Mr C & Mrs J Holgate

Spaniel (Irish Water), Sh Ch Kandrelli Jack Snipe, Mr S Davies & Mrs S Margerison

Spaniel (Sussex), Sh Ch Serendel Sussex Endeavour, Mr J Goodwin

Spaniel (Welsh Springer), Sh Ch Chanangel Sticky Wicket JW ShCM VW, Mrs A Chandler

Welsh Corgi (Cardigan), Ch Pi Et Ra of Trefilio Borntobe Avalanche JW (Imp Hun), Miss T Irving