Tweed takes top spot at Crufts 2024

A Labrador retriever from the Scottish highlands was crowned overall winner of BASC’s gamekeeper classes on Gundog Day at Crufts 2024.

Four year old Tweed (Nithvalley Tweed at Foxhope), owned by Emma Bamford and her gamekeeper husband, took home the Northesk Memorial Trophy on his first ever visit to Crufts today, 8 March. Emma declared herself ‘speechless’ at his success.

Following a day of hot competition across BASC’s working gundog classes, the top individual dogs owned by gamekeepers went head-to-head in a final show in the main arena at the world’s biggest dog show. 

Looking completely at home in the spotlight, Emma and Tweed beat stiff competition from five other finalists to take the title of Best in Gamekeeping Class.

Emma said it was “absolutely amazing” to have won overall. Clearly delighted, she said: “I came along to support the BASC classes at Crufts and it was amazing to see so many beautiful examples of working dogs. To bring Tweed along was so nice as he’s such a happy go lucky boy but to go and win was just out of this world.” 

Emma and Tweed were presented with their trophy by Ben Skinner, director of Skinner’s dog food. BASC’s three rings at Crufts were sponsored by Skinner’s, who also support the BASC gundog program.

BASC’s head of game and wildlife management Glynn Evans said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in BASC’s classes at Crufts this year. It’s always fantastic to meet so many people with their working dogs in a completely different environment.”

“Crufts gives us a superb opportunity to showcase how special working gundogs are to the tens-of-thousands of people who visit the show every year. 

“Well done to all of the winners of the gamekeeper and working gundog classes and huge congratulations to Emma and Tweed for winning the Northesk Memorial Trophy this evening.”

Gamkeepers’ classes are deeply rooted in the history of Crufts and BASC is proud to continue this strong tradition. The classes are unique to the event, giving handlers the opportunity to show working gundogs in their prime.