Liza, a Miniature Schnauzer from Split, Croatia and her owner Ante Lucin, won the Utility group title at Crufts 2025 today (Friday 7 March), qualifying them for one of just seven places in the Best in Show final on Sunday evening.
Liza (Aidante Georgia On My Mind), aged three, bred and handled by Ante Lucin, who also co-owns her with Javier Gonzalez Mendicote, will return to the Resorts World Arena at the NEC Birmingham on Sunday 9 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 - youtube.com/crufts.
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 Ante said: “I’m very emotional. The whole week has been all over the place, but to have a dog that has been bred by you and owned by you, that’s such a special feeling.”
Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Many congratulations to Liza and Ante on winning the Utility title today and securing their place in the Best in Show final for Crufts 2025.
“Crufts celebrates happy, healthy dogs and honours the special relationship between dogs and their handlers. This was clear today, as Ante and Liza demonstrated a wonderful bond in the ring.”
Crufts takes place from 6 - 9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.