The Australian Shepherd, nicknamed Aussie, is an intelligent and high-energy breed that excels at various dog sports. Like other herding breeds, Aussies participate in dog sports, such as dog agility, dock diving, obedience, and rallies. However, when it comes to winning Best in Show, terriers, poodles, and spaniels often prevail. Although Aussies are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, they've struggled to find the same popularity in dog shows. However, Aussies have received some spotlight at various dog competitions in recent years.
Source: ourdogsinternational
Crufts 2006
At the 2006 Crufts dog show in Birmingham, England, an Australian Shepherd dog named Caitland Isle Take a Chance won Best in Show. Chance was 5 years old when he won the title at the world's largest dog show, outsmarting more than 22,200 dogs from 32 countries. Chance's proud owner, Nancy Resetar of Royal Oaks, California, said it was the best moment in her life.
2010 AKC National Championship
At the 2010 AKC National Championship, an Australian Shepherd named Reckon made history as the first member of the herding group to win Best in Show. Reckon was 2 ½ years old when he won the title. Before his National Championship win in the US, Reckon had garnered some prestigious wins in Italy, confirming that he was competitive at an early age. According to his profile on the ACK website, Reckon won Best in Show at the combined specialties in Monte Carlo, Best in Show at the ProPlan Cup Invitational, and Best of Breed at the Aussie Gold Cup in Italy.
2019 Sydney Royal Dog Show
In 2019, an Australian Shepherd named Rock was crowned Best in Show at the Sydney Royal Dog Show in Australia. Rock, owned by Tim Thomas, Belinda West (handler), and Hunter Cong, beat approximately 2800 dogs to win the prestigious title.
Crufts 2024
At the 2024 Crufts dog show, an Australian shepherd named Viking beat 24,000 dogs from around the world to win the Best in Show title. The 3-year-old Aussie's co-owners, Melanie Raymond, John Shaw, and Kerry Kirtley, said Viking made their dream of winning best in show at Crufts come true.
Conclusion
As an Aussie owner, you must be glad to know that Australian shepherds are not among the breeds that have never won a Best in Show title. I am looking forward to seeing an Aussie crowned Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show. An Australian Shepherd named Ribbon won first place in the 2023 Westminster Dog Show's Herding Group. Ribbon then moved on to represent the group and breed in Best in Show but did not win it. This shows that the breed may have more luck in the future.
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