Meet the Northumberland pooches vying for Crufts titles

More than 18,000 dogs are competing at the NEC Birmingham from March 5 to 8 for this year’s Best in Show title.

Among them are two dogs from Northumberland, each with a deeply personal story and a special bond with their owners.

Thirty-nine-year-old Heather Benstead from Ashington and her Hungarian Pumi, Luka, will be one of the many looking to get their hands on the coveted Best in Show title.

Ms Benstead, who lives with autism and bipolar disorder, describes Luka as a life-changing presence.

Heather and Luka. (Image: CRUFTS)

Ms Benstead said: "Before Luka arrived, the world often felt like a dimly lit room, one I struggled to leave, even when I wanted to.

"The cycles of bipolar and the weight of depression sometimes pressed so heavily that even opening the front door seemed like a task meant for someone stronger than me.

"But Luka, a lively little Hungarian Pumi with bright eyes and endless enthusiasm, changed that almost without trying."

At just six months old, Luka won Best Puppy in Breed at his first show, earning a place at Crufts.

The experience brought Ms Benstead to tears—not just out of pride for Luka, but for herself.

She said: "Getting to Crufts so quickly hadn't been part of the plan, but preparing for Crufts gives me purpose of the difficult days; and I know that standing beside him on the green carpet will mean more than any rosette.

"Luka is more than just my show dog, he's my companion, my bridge to new friends and a spark of light for the darker corners and I cannot wait to show him off again."

Big win for Italy at #Crufts2025! Miuccia the whippet and her handler Giovanni Liguori steal the spotlight, taking home the prestigious Best in Show title. 🏆#Crufts #Crufts2025 #BestinShow #Whippet pic.twitter.com/0lsBkcmwuo

— Crufts (@Crufts) March 9, 2025

Also representing Northumberland is 20-year-old Poppy Coleby.

She has more than 13 chronic illnesses, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), MCAs, and POTs dysautonomia, but has always loved animals and sport, particularly dog agility. 

Her dog is Jackson, a rescue who has become both her service dog and her closest companion.

Ms Coleby said: "He is my best friend and always by my side, he has helped me through a lot of diagnoses and hospital appointments.

"And he helps me still feel confident when I haven't felt my best- whether it is going for a quiet walk, going to run some agility or sitting down on the sofa to watch a movie, he never fails to be there

"He really is my best friend and the most loving dog."

Jackson took Ms Coleby to Crufts for the first time in 2021 and has qualified for the competition four times since.

Crufts 2026 runs from March 5-8, with highlights shown on Channel 4 and More 4, including live coverage of the Best in Show trophy being awarded.