Zokni, an Old English Sheepdog from Szeged, Hungary, won the Pastoral Group title at Crufts 2020 today (Saturday 7th March), qualifying him for a place in the Best in Show final tomorrow.
Zokni (SK/RO Ch Bottom Shaker The Greatest Picture JWW’18), aged three, will return to the Resorts World Arena at the NEC in Birmingham for a place at the final at the world’s biggest dog show, Crufts, with his handler Zsolt Hanó.
People across the world will be watching to see which dog is crowned Best in Show tomorrow as the final is filmed live on Channel 4 and available to be streamed on the official Crufts YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/crufts.
Almost 20,000 dogs are competing over the four days for one of just seven places in the Crufts final and a chance to win the most celebrated title in the world of dogs.
Proud handler, Zsolt said: “Wow, I’m just speechless. This is the show of the shows! I just wish all breeders, handlers and owners could have this feeling. I really am the lucky one that I can get this twice because his grandfather won the Pastoral group eight years ago.
“Zokni, which means socks in Hungarian, is a very sweet dog - he loves everyone and is a wonderful show dog but otherwise he’s a really good family dog.”
Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, said: “We are delighted to see Zokni chosen as the Best in Group winner. Zsolt and Zokni should be proud of reaching the prestigious Best in Show final, it’s such a fantastic achievement.
“Crufts recognises and celebrates the special bond between dogs and their owners and it was clear to see that Zokni has a wonderful relationship with his handler.
“The Old English Sheepdog is currently on our list of ‘At Watch’ breeds that are at risk of disappearing because of their low numbers so we’re very pleased to see the breed having its time in the spotlight.
“We want to wish Zokni and Zsolt the best of luck tomorrow - we are sure that all of Hungary will be cheering them on!”
For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk.