A six-year-old boy and his pet terrier just made history at Crufts 2025
Six-year-old Freddie Osborne has won first place at Crufts 2025 alongside his pet terrier Penny, making him the youngest-ever dog handler to win the competition.
It's the most exciting week of the year for dog trainers, with Crufts 2025 in full swing.
The action kicked off yesterday at the NEC arena in Birmingham and will conclude on Sunday, March 9th.
Freddie was already in the spotlight as one of the youngest-ever entrants to the prestigious show and had to be granted special permission to miss a day of school.
Penny was crowned first in the Veteran Bitch category, meaning she and Freddie will go on to compete against five other dogs of the same breed in other classes.
Cheered on by his family and friends as he walked around the arena in a pale brown suit complete with a bow tie, Freddie looked to be taking all the attention in his stride and was thrilled to compete alongside his "best friend".
"I really enjoyed Crufts," he told Lincolnshire Live. "Penny and I won Best Veteran in Breed and we are so happy with our rosette. She is the best dog ever."
Freddie told Metro: "I love dog shows, and I love Penny because she’s not just my dog, she’s my best friend.
"At home she likes to lick you, sit on your lap and cuddle. I like going for walks with her as they are fun and get you fresh air. But I like doing the dog shows and getting prizes and rosettes."
A love of Crufts has been instilled in Freddie since a young age. Freddie's mum, Kimberly, told Metro:"He was only two weeks old when he first came to Crufts with us and he has been going ever since.
"He’s always helped us with our dogs but this will be the first time he has competed there."
Meanwhile, Freddie's dad, James, told the publication: "He took it all completely in his stride and we’re very proud of him.
"When I first went on to the green carpet as an adult, it was daunting enough as everyone’s eyes are on you and your dog. But he just seemed a natural out there and nothing seemed to phase him. He just really enjoys being out there with his dog.
"Penny is a show dog, but also a pet dog and his best friend, which always helps. As a family, it is just a great day out doing the thing we love. There’s no pressure on him, we just want him to have fun and it’s an amazing experience for him."
Crufts, which showcases over 200 different breeds over four days, with one ‘top dog’ crowned Best in Show, begins on Thursday, 6 March at the NEC in Birmingham.
Tickets are available at crufts.org.uk.
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