Elton, a French Bulldog from Birmingham and co-owner Abbie Cund won the Utility group title at Crufts 2024 today (Thursday 7 March), qualifying them for one of just seven places in the Best in Show final on Sunday evening.
Elton (Ch Chelmbull Rocket Man WW), aged three, handled by Abbie Cund who also co-owns Elton with Dean Cund, Alex Harrop and Linda Harrop will return to the Resorts World Arena at the NEC Birmingham on Sunday 10 March, 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 on Sunday, as the final is shown live on Channel 4 and available to be streamed on the official Crufts YouTube channel.
Over 19,000 dogs are competing over 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 owner Abbie said: “I’m completely lost for words! It’s just beyond a dream come true.
“There is no way you can describe the feeling. It’s something you always dream of, but you never think it’s going to be you. I just can’t believe it’s us, I’m so proud.”
Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Congratulations to Elton and Abbie on winning the Utility group title this evening and earning a spot in the coveted Best in Show final at Crufts 2024.
“Crufts celebrates healthy, happy dogs and recognises the special and unique relationship between dogs and their owners. Elton and Abbie demonstrated a wonderful bond in the ring today to the judge and the arena of onlookers.”
The French Bulldog is one of three breeds, which also includes the Pug and Bulldog, that will need to have a breathing assessment to compete in Crufts 2025. Elton has already been tested under The Kennel Club / University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading scheme and has received a grade 0, which means he is clinically unaffected by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
Crufts takes place from 7 - 10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit Crufts website.