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Whippet called Miuccia wins best in show at Crufts

Getty Images Miuccia, a whippet, poses beside the trophy after winning the title for the "Best In Show" at the Crufts dog show in Birmingham, England on 9/3/2025.Getty Images
Miuccia, the whippet from Venice, has taken out 'Best in Show'

A whippet from Venice in Italy has been named best in show at the 2025 Crufts dog show in Birmingham.

Four-year-old Miuccia beat more than 18,000 dogs from around the world to claim the top award on Sunday at the NEC.

"It's really a dream come true," said her handler Giovanni Liguori. "I am truly overwhelmed. Miuccia performed her best".

It is the first time a dog from Italy has won best in show, which comes with a trophy and small cash prize of reportedly £200.

Getty Images Miuccia, a whippet, poses with owner Giovanni Liguori, from Italy, and judge Patsy Hollings Getty Images
Miuccia with handler Giovanni Liguori and judge Patsy Hollings

Miuccia, who is owned by Enrico De Gaspari, was the winner of the hound group earlier in the show, and beat the winners of six other groups to win the top prize.

"I absolutely adore her," said handler Mr Liguori. "She is the sweetest dog.

"She always wants to be super close to me and that's the most important thing."

Mr Liguori said it was "incredible, it's amazing" to be the first dog from Italy to be crowned best in show.

"As Italians we are super proud and means that we are doing a fantastic job."

Getty Images Miuccia, a whippet, runs around the ring with owner Giovanni Liguori, wearing a tuxedo, after winning the title for the "Best In Show"Getty Images
Miuccia takes a victory lap with Giovanni after her win
Getty Images Miuccia trotting out onto the green Getty Images
Miuccia was praised for her grace and elegance

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts show manager, said it was "fantastic" to watch Miuccia and her handler's "strong relationship together in the ring, and they are truly deserving winners".

"Well done to all of our other wonderful finalists too.

"The dogs, their owners, and handlers should be incredibly proud to have taken part in such a momentous final - it's an incredible achievement, one we are sure they'll treasure for years to come."

The runner-up was Viking, a Tibetan mastiff from Romania.

Getty Images Miuccia and Viking facing each other on the podiumsGetty Images
Miuccia took out the top prize and Viking the Tibetan Mastiff won Reserve
PA Media A small dog with long fur, mainly white but with some brown and black streaks, totters around on a lead next to a man's legs, in black trousersPA Media
Another of the finalists - Sophia, a Papillon from the English town of Oswestry