Alfie the Entlebucher from Abergavenny makes Crufts history

Sian Baynton, who, along with Entlebucher Alfie, arrived at Crufts at the NEC in Birmingham on Saturday morning with little expectation, said it was a “huge honour” to win Best of Breed for the second time.

Alfie was also shortlisted in the Working Group, making history in the process, as the only Entlebucher to be shortlisted.

“It was a really emotional and tiring day,” said Ms Baynton. “I was so proud and could have floated all the way home."

Ms Baynton and Alfie had never shown before 2017, making Alfie’s double win even more impressive.

“After winning Best of Breed in 2018 I never thought for a minute we’d manage to get this far,” Ms Baynton said. “We’ve come a long way together.

“Alfie had a great time but it was a tiring day. We left at 6.30am and were still there at 7.30pm.”

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Tributes were paid at the start of the day to Dave Williams, a 73-year-old man who trained Alfie and was a friend of Ms Baynton’s. He died in January.

“We had an emotional tribute and a minute’s silence for Dave, who was one of the first people to train Alfie,” Ms Baynton added.

"It added extra poignancy and importance to the day for us.

“We met some friends who are also breed owners, who had come from all over the world. I hadn’t seen many of them before in person, so it was lovely to have that opportunity.”

If Alfie continues hauling in the awards, Ms Baynton might have to even temper expectations in the future.