Lilly O’Brien, 21, from Dumfries, and Zoe (Ch Susu Princess Spice Parti), a nine-year-old Tibetan Spaniel have achieved victory after winning the Young Kennel Club (YKC) Handler of the Year award at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts.
The YKC Handler of the Year competition, which was open to YKC members from the ages of 6-24 and their dogs, saw top young handlers compete for the sought-after title of YKC Handler of the Year before Lilly and Zoe took first place in the YKC ring.
Qualifiers for YKC Handler of the Year were held across the country throughout the year, where YKC members competed in age categories: 6-11, 12-17 and 18-24 years. The first place in each age group qualified for their respective finals at Crufts, with Lilly and Zoe taking the ultimate title of YKC Handler of the Year.
Proud winner Lilly said: “This is very unexpected and crazy. It was very nerve-wracking, I get very nervous when I handle but it’s been amazing. Zoe loves the crowd, she always plays up to it when people are clapping and cheering. She makes me confident, she always has.
“Crufts has always been a special place for me and Zoe, we won our first CC there back in 2020 so to win overall YKC Handler of the Year 2025 was a childhood dream. Thank you to the judge, Charlotte Page, for this honour and also to everyone who has helped and supported me on this journey.”
Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Very well done to Lilly for a well-deserved win with Zoe, they should be incredibly proud. The pair demonstrated a high level of skill and teamwork throughout their time at Crufts, which was so impressive for such a young handler.
“We are looking forward to seeing what they will achieve at future Crufts!”
If you would like to find out more about the Young Kennel Club and how to join, please contact the YKC team by emailing YKC by visiting YKC website.