The underdog just had its day, and it happened in the form of a four-year-old Clumber Spaniel named Bruin. Most people watching the Crufts 2026 finale expected one of the flashier breeds to take the top spot. You know the ones—the Poodles with the architectural haircuts or the high-stepping Terriers that look like they’ve been drinking espresso all morning. Instead, we got Bruin. He’s heavy, he’s soulful, and he officially just became the first of his breed to ever snatch the Best in Show title.
It’s a massive deal. If you aren't deep into the world of dog showing, you might not realize how much the deck is usually stacked against the "Gundog" group, and specifically the heavier, more deliberate breeds. The Clumber Spaniel isn't built for speed or gymnastic floor routines. They're built for endurance and a sort of dignified persistence. Seeing Bruin—officially known by his show name, Sh Ch Belcrum Your Love Is King—waddle-run his way to the top of the podium was the breath of fresh air the NEC Birmingham desperately needed.
Why this Clumber Spaniel win actually matters for the sport
For years, critics have argued that Crufts has become too much about the "glamour" and not enough about the actual essence of the dog. Bruin changed that narrative in about ten minutes. When he stepped into the ring for the final judging under the bright lights, he didn't look like a nervous wreck or a robotic performer. He looked like a dog that was genuinely happy to be there, probably hoping for a biscuit afterward.
His owner and handler, Blake Croft, was visibly stunned. You could see it in the way he hugged the dog. This wasn't just a win for a specific kennel; it was a win for a breed that often gets overlooked because it doesn't have the "flash" of a Golden Retriever or the intensity of a Spaniel on a mission. Clumbers are often called the "retired gentlemen" of the spaniel world. They're slow. They drool. They have a massive amount of white fur that seems to attract mud by just existing.
But Bruin? He was pristine. His coat was a masterclass in grooming, showing off that classic lemon and white coloring without looking over-processed. He moved with a surprising amount of grace for a dog that looks like a very handsome footstool. That’s the "Clumber roll"—that specific gait that judges look for. If they don't have that heavy, rolling movement, they aren't doing it right. Bruin did it perfectly.
Breaking down the competition in the final ring
To understand how hard it is to win Best in Show, you have to look at who Bruin had to beat. The final seven is a gauntlet of perfection. You had a Dobermann that looked like it was carved out of obsidian and a Miniature Poodle that probably has a better skincare routine than I do.
The judge, Ann Ingram, had a brutal task. Usually, judges at this level are looking for "type"—how well the dog matches the written standard of the breed—but they’re also looking for "showmanship." This is where Bruin excelled. While some of the other finalists looked a bit stiff under the pressure, Bruin kept that tail wagging. It wasn't a frantic wag; it was a steady, rhythmic thud against his legs.
It's that temperament that defines the breed. The Clumber Spaniel Club has always emphasized that these are working dogs at heart, even if they're mostly family pets now. They were originally bred for heavy cover, pushing through thick brambles where smaller dogs couldn't go. Bruin showed that power. He’s a big boy, weighing in significantly more than your average spaniel, but he carried that weight with total authority.
The controversy of the heavy breeds
Every time a heavier breed wins, the internet starts talking about health. It's a valid conversation. In the past, Clumbers have faced criticism for being too heavy or having too many skin folds around their eyes. However, the Kennel Club has been cracking down on this for the last decade.
Bruin is a great example of the "modern" show Clumber. He’s sturdy, yes, but he’s fit. You could see the muscle definition under that thick coat. His eyes were clear, not drooping excessively, which has been a point of contention in the breed's history. By awarding Bruin the top prize, the judges sent a clear message. They want dogs that are functional and healthy, not just caricatures of a breed.
If you’re thinking about getting a Clumber because you saw Bruin on TV, you should probably slow down. They aren't for everyone. They shed. A lot. They also have a tendency to "investigate" kitchen counters with a level of persistence that would make a private investigator jealous. But as Bruin showed the world, they are also incredibly loyal and possess a quiet charisma that's hard to find in more "hyper" breeds.
What happens after the confetti falls
Winning Best in Show at Crufts isn't just about a trophy and a bag of dog food. It changes the trajectory of a breed. Suddenly, everyone wants a Clumber Spaniel. For breeders, this is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's great for the breed to get recognition. On the other, it risks people "over-breeding" to meet sudden demand.
Blake Croft and the team behind Bruin have been vocal about responsible ownership. They didn't get to the NEC overnight. It took years of selective breeding, careful exercise routines, and a lot of patience. Bruin’s win is a culmination of a four-year journey that started long before he ever stepped into a local championship show.
Honestly, the best part of the whole night wasn't the trophy. It was seeing a dog that looked like he wanted to go home and nap on the sofa. That’s the magic of the Clumber. They don't need the spotlight, but when it's on them, they handle it with a shrug and a wag.
If you're looking to follow in Bruin’s pawprints, start by visiting the Kennel Club’s "Find a Puppy" service or, better yet, attend a breed-specific show. Don't just buy the first Spaniel you see online. Look for health-tested parents and breeders who care more about the dog's hips and eyes than a trophy cabinet. Bruin is the gold standard, but every Clumber deserves a life that feels like a win.
Watch the replay of the final round on the official Crufts YouTube channel. Pay attention to Bruin’s ears when he moves; it’s basically poetry in motion. Then, go hug your own dog, even if they’ll never win a ribbon for anything other than "Loudest Snorer."
