Top British dog is ‘most obedient breed’ after ‘outshining’ at Crufts 2026

The Manchester Terrier team, competing as “MRU”, stole the show at Crufts 2026 by winning the prestigious Obreedience competition at Birmingham’s NEC, outshining 10 rivals

It was paws-itively a night to remember at Crufts 2026, as the Manchester Terrier team strutted their stuff to snatch the coveted Obreedience crown at the world’s biggest dog show. Outshining 10 other tail-wagging teams in a display of discipline and dazzling teamwork, these top dogs proved they really are the leaders of the pack.

A team of Manchester Terriers has claimed victory in the Obreedience competition at Crufts, the world’s largest dog show, held at the NEC in Birmingham on Thursday (March 5).

Competing under the team name “MRU”, the Manchester Terriers outshone 10 other breed teams in a display of discipline and teamwork that wowed both judges and the crowd.

The other finalists in the hotly contested event included the Stafford Stars, The Russellers, Diamonds In The Rough, The Labrapaws, Spring it On, Dachtastic, Super Staffords, The Wagtails, and Cool Cockers, each captained by handlers from across the country. Obreedience, which first appeared at Crufts in 2014 as a special display event, has grown in popularity and is now in its twelfth year as an official competition, drawing enthusiastic supporters of all breeds.

The winning MRU team featured Brenda Harrison (team captain), Chris Harrison with Teal, Ann Harrison with Ash, Judy Thurlow with Tilda, and Chrissie Bynam with Nora. Their impressive performance saw them complete two challenging rounds: a group heelwork routine requiring perfect synchronisation, followed by four set exercises, retrieve, send to bed, stop the dog, and scent over articles.

Points were deducted for any faults, with the highest-scoring team taking home the title. Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of the Royal Kennel Club, praised the team.

She said: “Congratulations to all the owners and dogs of the MRU team on their impressive win at Crufts! The team showcased an exceptional level of training and obedience, and the bond between each dog and their owner was evident.”

About the Manchester Terrier

The Manchester Terrier is a striking and spirited breed with a rich history rooted in 19th-century England. Instantly recognisable by its sleek, jet-black coat with vivid mahogany-tan markings, this elegant dog was originally bred for rat-catching in bustling urban environments and rabbit coursing in the countryside.

Although often mistaken for a miniature Dobermann, the Manchester Terrier actually predates and contributed to the development of the Dobermann breed. In terms of temperament, Manchester Terriers are devoted and affectionate with their families, displaying a lively and cheerful personality that sets them apart from the more dour terriers.

However, they can be reserved or even suspicious around strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. Their heritage as “ratters” has left them with a high prey drive, so they may not be suitable for homes with small pets such as hamsters or rabbits.

The breed comes in two varieties: the Standard and the Toy. The Standard stands at 15–16 inches tall and weighs between 12 and 22 pounds, while the Toy is smaller, at 10–12 inches in height and under 12 pounds in weight.

Both share the same temperament, but differ in ear carriage, with the Toy variety having naturally erect ears. Manchester Terriers are highly intelligent and energetic, requiring at least an hour of vigorous exercise and mental stimulation each day.

They excel in canine sports such as agility, flyball, and obedience. Despite their athleticism, they are remarkably low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, often described as “wash and wear” dogs needing little more than a weekly brush or wipe-down.

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