Old English foxhound ‘Sparkle’ from the Percy Hunt in Northumberland makes history as he wins Best of Breed at Crufts

For more than 130 years Crufts has been the premier show for the world’s best pedigree dogs.

But for the first time an ‘adorable’ Old English Foxhound from the Percy Hunt in Northumberland has won Best of Breed – making history at the same time.

Sparkle’s big win is all the more special because it is the first time that a working foxhound has ever competed at Crufts since it began in 1891.

The three-year-old was cheered and clapped wildly as she stormed to victory in the Open Bitch Class at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

But unlike the vast majority of dogs at the show, Sparkle is a working animal that is part of a pack and is not used to being on a lead, making her Best of Breed win all the more remarkable.

Robert McCarthy, Huntsman with the Percy Hunt, said: ‘Sparkle is an adorable hound. She works hard all season and is always full of beans but also totally obedient. She loves everyone and she is friends with all the horses and other hounds too.

‘I knew she could be relied on to perform well but it is a very different environment for her with all the people, the noise and the lights. I am absolutely delighted to win Best of Breed.’

The Percy hounds are owned by the 12th Duke of Northumberland, Ralph Percy, and kennelled at a beautiful spot on the banks of the River Aln, just down river from the world famous Alnwick Castle.  

The Duchess of Northumberland, Jane Percy, has been credited with turning the castle into one of the UK’s best loved tourist attractions and it is where both Harry Potter and Downton Abbey have been filmed.

The moment that Sparkle won the prize in the Open Bitch Class

Sparkle’s bloodline goes back to famous Foxhound, Percy Spitfire

Sparkle is no stranger to big prizes and has previously won at the Blaston and Yorkshire hound shows. She also won her class at the Peterborough show.

Helen Walsh, a spokesperson for the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA), the governing body for trail hunting, said this week: ‘This is a landmark moment for everyone in the hunting community.

‘The idea that hounds from a working pack would be shown at a mainstream dog show would have been blasphemy ten years ago. It is however an excellent opportunity to showcase much-loved breeds to a wider audience and is part of a cultural shift as we seek to be more transparent in everything we do.’

Away from the display ring, Sparkle is part of the famous Percy Hunt pack of Old English Foxhounds.

The Percy Hunt follows scent trails across the Northumberland countryside. It takes place twice a week from September to March.

Trail hunting is in full compliance with the Hunting Act 2004. No fox or any other animal is pursued during a trail hunt. 

The Percy Hunt is an accredited member of the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA).

All the pedigrees of all foxhounds belonging to BHSA-registered hunts can be traced back to more than 150 years and are recorded in the famous Foxhound Kennel Studbook.

Sparkle at her kennels where she is part of a working pack from the Percy Hunt

Robert McCarthy looks down proudly at Sparkle in Northumberland

King Charles on a visit to The Alnwick Garden, accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. The Percy hounds are owned by the 12th Duke of Northumberland and live close to the famous castle

It was a day of firsts yesterday as a six-year-old boy who took his smooth fox terrier to Crufts has made history after becoming one of the dog show’s youngest ever winners.

Freddie Osborne took to the ring with his ‘best friend’ Penny, aged eight, at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham with the pair coming in first place in the veteran breed category.

Freddie, from Bobbington in Staffordshire said he was thrilled to share the stage with Penny.

‘I really enjoyed Crufts,’ said Freddie.

‘Penny and I won best veteran in breed and we are so happy with our rosette.

‘She is the best dog ever.

‘I love walking her and she’s really good.’

Freddie Osborne, six, from Bobbington, Stafforshire, with Penny a fox terrier (smooth), winner of Best Veteran category

Queen Sofia of Spain at the Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham on Friday

Standard Poodle judging on the second day of Crufts 2025

Preparation for Bulldog judging on the second day of Crufts 2025

Pomeranian preparation before judging on the second day of Crufts 2025

Freddie, who first went Crufts when he was just two weeks old, was accompanied by his parents Kimberley and James.

‘We are so proud of Freddie, he has been really dedicated to get this far but he’s really enjoyed himself too, which is the most important thing,’ said Mr Osborne.

‘It’s also been great for our family to be able to highlight our wonderful breed, the smooth fox terrier, which is classed one of the Kennel Club’s native vulnerable breeds.

‘My grandfather used to have a smooth fox terrier and I remember seeing an old home film with it in and wondering what type of dog it was,’ he added.

‘I was always keen on terriers as a farmer so I could have something small go in the tractor with me.

‘They are great pets and Penny and Freddie have done themselves and us proud.’

Crufts takes place over four days and has been held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham since 1991.

The dog show, which was first established in 1891, includes events such as flyball, agility, heelwork to music, The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award and the best in show – Crufts’ top honour.

More than 200 pedigree breeds from 51 different counties will compete for the title, which will be awarded live on Channel 4 on Sunday, March 9.

Last year, an Australian shepherd named Viking from Solihull, Birmingham, beat 24,000 dogs from around the world to win best in show.