Irish Wolfhound from Italy crowned UK's top Vulnerable Breed at Crufts

Franca, an Irish Wolfhound, co-owned by Stefano Erea and Dr Francesca Agnoli from Milan, Italy, and handled by Ludovica Salamon, won the grand final of The Kennel Club Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition at Crufts, on Thursday 7 March.

Two-year-old Franca (Brida Della Bassa Pavese), won the Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition in front of a packed Resorts World Arena at the NEC in Birmingham.

The Kennel Club Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition helps raise awareness of rare native breeds whose annual puppy registrations stand at fewer than 300, thus leaving them at risk of disappearing from the UK's streets and parks.  

The Irish Wolfhound is often described as a gentle giant due to its large size but calm nature. The breed registered just 191 puppies in 2023.

Co-owner Stefano commented on Franca's win: "It's been thrilling, exciting and overwhelming. This breed has a wonderful temperament, they're very friendly and great with people and kids."

Franco was chosen by judge Mr Gavin Robertson as having the best overall quality evident from other dogs in the final.

The Vulnerable Breeds competition, which was open to all vulnerable breeds competing at designated championship shows, enabled dogs that are on The Kennel Club's vulnerable breeds list to qualify for the final at Crufts.

A Curly Coated Retriever, Sh Ch Tessmene The Cats Whiskers, owned by Mrs F and Miss C Carrick was named as Reserve Best Vulnerable Breed.

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: "Congratulations to Franco and Stefano on this fantastic achievement. We are very thankful to everyone who has qualified for this competition for their dedication and passion for their breeds; their commitment is a true testament to their hard work ensuring that these Vulnerable British and Irish breeds continue to be a part of our society."  

More information about Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds is available at thekennelclub.org.uk/vulnerablebreeds.

Crufts takes place from 7 - 10 March 2024 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.

The following dogs were entered in the 2024 final at Crufts: 

English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan), Ch Witchstone Crazy Horse At Boimans, owned by Mrs J & Mr T Harman

King Charles Spaniel, Ch Baldragon Shoots He Scores, owned by Mrs C Bowles-Robinson

English Setter, Sh Ch Severnsett Firecracker, owned by Mr N A & Mrs P M Darley

Gordon Setter, Sh Csh Glenmaurangi Storm Trooper JW, owned by Mrs A, Ms T & Mr N Phillips, Watkins & Sykes

Irish Red And White Setter, Sh Ch Charnborough Charisma Of Danwish JW, owned by Miss T Gardner

Retriever (Curly Coated), Sh Ch Tessmene The Cats Whiskers, owned by Mrs F & Miss C Carrick

Spaniel (Clumber),Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist, owned by Mr L A S Cox

Spaniel (Field), Nadavin Yirki At Tumblebar, owned by Mrs E Barker

Spaniel (Irish Water), Sh Ch Curlyco My Hot Rockstar (Imp Fin), owned by Mr J Hackett & Mrs A Williams

Spaniel (Sussex), Harasteorra Aphrodite, owned by Mr L J Bradbury & Miss D S Preston

Spaniel (Welsh Springer), Sh Ch Glenbrows Revolution JW, owned by Mr T Harrison & H Harrison

Mastiff, Hallberd Finbar, owned by Mrs S Burgoine

Bearded Collie, Ch Potterdale Precious Rose, owned by Mr M & Mrs J Lewis & Mrs D Moreland

Collie (Smooth), Ch Blamorder Ice Cream Dream, owned by Miss A Lusty

Lancashire Heeler, Ch Parabar Mohican's Medlar, owned by Miss J Grant-Parkes

Welsh Corgi (Cardigan), Ch Elessar Howling Moon, owned by Miss J Down

Bull Terrier (Miniature), Byzantine Blaise, owned by Mr K Stevens

Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Ch Cloverwood The One And Only, owned by Mrs J Tinsley

Fox Terrier (Smooth), Ch Kanix Quickstep, owned by Mrs K S Wilberg

Glen Of Imaal Terrier, Eng & Bel Dutch Int Ch Esp Ch Boudivella Osca, owned by Miss A Hannington

Kerry Blue Terrier, Ch Clanciarrai Aria, owned by Mr P & Mrs E B Martin

Lakeland Terrier, Ch Northcote's Isn't That The Way, owned by Mr T Alloway, Mr K Wendling & Mr F W Schoeneberg 

Manchester Terrier, Ch Talanors Typically Special, owned by Mrs G & Mr C Knight

Norwich Terrier, Ragus Sweet Bay At Elantiz, owned by Miss J N Armstrong & Miss P Lawrance

Sealyham Terrier, Ch Zippor Sleepy Sapphireson At Letara, owned by Mrs C Bell

Skye Terrier, Kilfinan Nightingail, Mr A Burscough

Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Ch Silkcroft Sky Full Of Stars ShCM, owned by Mr C and Mrs C Satherley

Bloodhound, Ch Farlap Qui Martha (A.I), owned by Miss S Clark & Mrs L Hayden

Deerhound, Ch Ormanstar Dark Shadow, owned by Mrs S J Taylor

Foxhound, Dazzleby Chorister, owned by Mrs R C S Griffiths

Greyhound, Ch Ina's Fashion Dedicated To Boughton (Imp Deu), owned by Ms R Howlett, Ms C Boggia & Ms I Koulermou

Harrier, Henissy Fancy, Miss C J Farrar

Irish Wolfhound, Brida Della Bassa Pavese, owned by Dr F Agnoli

Otterhound, Ch Teckelgarth Ebony, owned by Miss M Lerego