Jack, a ten-year-old Working Sheepdog, and his owner Irene Holt from Lancaster, Lancashire, won the Heelwork to Music final at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts.
Irene Holt and Jack beat nine other finalists to win the Heelwork to Music final on Friday 10 March.
Each year Crufts hosts the finals of both Heelwork to Music and Freestyle competitions. All advanced level dogs and handlers can qualify for Crufts by entering one or more of a series of qualifying events held throughout the year.
The participants devised routines of up to four minutes, set to music, and performed them with their dog in the Resorts World Arena at the NEC, Birmingham.
The proud owner Irene said “Winning the Heelwork to Music final was a dream come true! I have dreamt of getting to Crufts since I discovered Heelwork to Music and now to win it is amazing.
“Jack always gives his best and I am so pleased that today everyone saw just what an amazing partnership we have!”
Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, commented: “Well done to Jack and Irene on such an impressive performance, with a routine that demonstrated such hard work and dedication. Heelwork to music is a challenging and highly skilful activity that requires a lot of patience and commitment to execute to the level seen at Crufts. All the dogs and handlers today really demonstrated incredible talent.”
For more information on heelwork to music, please visit the Heelwork to music 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.