Two Bedford dogs have been named the prettiest and most handsome dogs in the region by Scruffs, the annual crossbreed competition run by The Kennel Club.
Frank, a four-year-old crossbreed, whose human is Wendy Halling, has been crowned ‘Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog’ in the region.
Whereas Wilma, an eight-year-old Springer Spaniel/Jack Russell Terrier cross, whose human is Rachel Hukin, has been named ‘Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch’.
Both Frank and Wilma will now go on to compete in the semi-final stages hosted at the world’s most famous dog show, Crufts, in 2022.
Speaking of their win, Wendy said: “I am absolutely thrilled and delighted that Frank won the Scruffts heat. He is a very special rescue dog with a calm, friendly, soft nature.
“He makes me laugh every day and is a big chatterbox, but he also supported me when my husband died suddenly as I had to take care of him and walk him even when I didn’t feel like going out.
“I am so proud of him and I love him to the moon and back.”
Rachel added, “I feel great to have qualified for Crufts. Wilma is such a pro at dog showing, having been to Crufts for three years for many different things. She loves the attention!”
Wilma and Frank aren’t just pretty faces either.
When not strutting his stuff, Frank is also a very good boy working as a therapy dog, visiting schools to hear readers as part of the Read2dogs scheme.
Wilma is also a very good girl and works as a therapy dog.
The Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition, exclusively supported by pet food makers James Wellbeloved, is open to all crossbreeds and mixed breed dogs, of all shapes, sizes and age (as long as they are over six months).
Judging the competitors on the day was dog judge, Gerald King, who had the tough decision of choosing just one winner in both classes.
Joining Gerald to judge the Most Handsome Dog class was dog enthusiast, Fifi Robertson Geldof.
The full list of winners:
- Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog: four-year-old Frank, the crossbreed, owned by Wendy Halling from Bedford, Bedfordshire
- Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch: eight-year-old Wilma, the Springer Spaniel/Jack Russell Terrier cross, owned by Rachel Hukin from Bedford, Bedfordshire
- Golden Oldie Crossbreed: 10-year-old Teddy Bear, the Lhasa Apso/Bichon Frise cross, owned by Louise Jacobs from Colchester, Essex
- Good Citizen Dog Scheme: five-year-old Sammi, the Bichon Frise cross, owned by Rowan Carter from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
All dogs competing were judged against qualities such as, good character, good health, good personality, good temperament with people and other dogs.
The four dogs will now compete at Crufts 2022 at the NEC Birmingham in March to be chosen as the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year.
Note from Heidi the newshound
Having won the ‘Prettiest Dog in Bedford’ competition at Frosts in 2008, I know all too well the pressure that will be on Wilma and Frank’s shoulders right now.
I hope all the doggos of Bedford and beyond will get behind them and wish them the best of luck, wagging their tails in support.
They truly are the goodest boy and girl and we are all very proud.
Humans, remember, don’t just ask “who is a good boy/girl?”, ask “how is a good boy/girl?” too.
