Irish Wolfhound from Cheshire wins place in Crufts Best in Show final

Paris, an Irish Wolfhound from Warrington, Cheshire, and owner Chris Amoo, won the Hound group title at Crufts 2023 today (Saturday 11 March), qualifying them for one of just seven places in the Best in Show final on Sunday evening.

The Irish Wolfhound, the biggest of all breeds, is also a Vulnerable Native breed, with fewer than 300 annual puppy registrations.

Paris (Ch Sade Paris), aged five, owned, handled and bred by singer-songwriter, Chris Amoo, will return to the Resorts World Arena at the NEC Birmingham on Sunday, along with six other dogs to compete for the coveted Best in Show title at Crufts.

People around Britain and the world will be watching to see which dog is crowned Best in Show this weekend, as the final is shown live on Channel 4 and available to be streamed on the official Crufts YouTube channel - youtube.com/crufts.

Proud owner Chris said: “We bred Paris and he is a very special dog - the type of dog that is one in a million. We are so proud of him!

"When the judge points to you, you can't really believe it and it only starts to sink in when you are doing your lap of honour. I won Best in Show here at Crufts 36 years ago, and I just can't stop smiling!

"I've never lost my passion or enthusiasm for this hobby, after all these years - I don't take holidays because for me, showing dogs, that is my pleasure."

Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Many congratulations to Paris and Chris on winning the Hound group title today. Earning a spot in the Best in Show final is an incredible achievement and the pair should be extremely proud of the hard work and wonderful bond they demonstrated this evening.

“Crufts celebrates healthy, happy dogs and recognises the special and unique relationship between dogs and their owners. Chris and Paris really demonstrated a close bond in the ring today and they showed great confidence.”

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