London -
A two-year-old poodle named Ricky on Sunday won the Best In Show award at Britain's Crufts Festival, the world's largest annual dog show that this year attracted more than 21 000 entrants.
Ricky, from Preston in north-west England, will now retire from UK competitions, his owner revealed.
“I couldn't have asked for anything more,” Jason Lynn said after his triumph at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre.
“He gave an absolutely beautiful performance and I am so proud of him.
“He was top dog all breeds last year and we decided that this would be his last show - and he has ended it in the most wonderful way possible.”
The poodle fought off competition from a Pomeranian, a wire fox terrier, an Irish Wolfhound, a Samoyed, a Rottweiler and an American Cocker Spaniel in the final round of competition.
The show celebrates its 123rd anniversary this year. - Sapa-AFP