Havoc, a one-year-old Belgian Shepherd Malinois from Altrincham, Cheshire, and his owner Sarah Kelly, has triumphed at Crufts by winning the Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes Competition on Saturday 8 March.
Havoc beat 30 other talented dogs to be crowned the winner of the 2025 Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Stakes competition at the world’s greatest dog show, with the final overseen by highly experienced judge, Frank Herron. This was the 20th year the final has been held at Crufts.
Speaking after their win, delighted Sarah said: “We’re absolutely over the moon to have won! We didn’t expect it at all – he has been competing for less than a year as he still isn’t two yet so I wasn’t sure how he would handle it. He wasn’t fazed at all though and wagged his tail the whole time – I’m not sure which of us enjoyed it the most!”
The Good Citizen Dog Training scheme (GCDTS) competition was first held in 2005 to encourage owners of dogs who have passed their GCDTS Bronze Award to take part in obedience competitions as a potential gateway into dog exhibition. The exercises included in the test are a combination of current GCDTS exercises and the Pre-Beginner Obedience test. Building on the basic training skills learnt through the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme, this stakes class helps to bridge the gap between basic training and entering a competition. Dogs must have obtained their Good Citizen Bronze Award prior to the closing date of the show.
Dogs competing in the final had to qualify at one of the 31 heats held across the country last year with the winner from each heat qualifying for the final.
Sue Garner, Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Working Party Chairman, added: “Congratulations to Havoc and Sarah who performed a first-class round, and demonstrated the skills they have learnt through the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme.
“The standard of competitors was very high so the pair should be proud of their achievement. The Pre-Beginner Stakes are a great way for dogs and owners to enter the obedience world and strengthen their bond – something that was clear to see with Sarah and Havoc, and I wish them luck in the future.”
To find out more about the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme visit our website.
Crufts took place between 6 - 9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.