Jersey whippet wins big at Crufts

Monday 12 March 2018

A 17-month-old local whippet achieved remarkable results at Crufts over the weekend during his first outing at the canine event, winning best male among 200 other entrants of all ages in his breed, including previous champions.

Ranveli Blue Breeze at Kipipiriking - known to his owners Steve and Jenny Lawson as KK - also won his first challenge certificate (CC) and qualified for automatic lifetime entry to future Crufts competitions, as well as UK Kennel Club stud registration.

Whippets were the most numerous breed in the Hound group, with 414 entrants at Crufts. In the overall whippet breed final, KK was pipped to the post by Collooney Tartan Tartan Tease, a two-and-a-half year old whippet girl, who then went on to win the overall huge hound group and qualify for Crufts main final. 

She was also judged "Best in Show" on Sunday moments before protesters from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) ran into the ring after gaining "unauthorised access."

A statement from Crufts said that the protestors "scared the dogs and put the safety of both dogs and people at risk in a hugely irresponsible way." 

KK was handled by Jenny Lawson, for whom it was the third appearance at Crufts. It was KK's first outing, which made "the unprecedented achievement even more remarkable for such a young dog," said Jenny and Stephen Lawson.

A top exhibitor and qualified judge said: “Winning a CC at Crufts is a dream for many breeds but for Whippets with so many entrants, it’s even harder. I don’t think Jenny realised what she’s done.” 

Pictured: Jenny Lawson and Ranveli Blue Breeze at Kipipiriking, KK, making their leap of honour.

Overcome by the results, Ms Lawson had to fight back tears, and lean for support on the ring steward.

Both Mr and Mrs Lawson are members of the Jersey Dog Handlers Association, which recently won the award for 'Training Class of the Year' at the National Pawscars. They are also members of the Kennel Club of Jersey. 

Pictured: The Jersey Dog Handlers Association won the award for 'Training Class of the Year' at the National Pawscars.

Mr Lawson is known locally as the “whippetman,” having been breeding whippets for over 30 years. For him, KK is a loved house pet, and the pair are familiar figures around Les Landes as they are often seen out running together most mornings.