A lucky crossbreed from Sunningdale has bagged a spot in the Scrufts semi-final at next year's Crufts.

Bruce, an eight-year-old Mastiff/German Shepherd cross from Sunningdale, Berkshire, owned by Anna Lewington, has been named the ‘Golden Oldie’ in a regional heat for Scruffts, the annual crossbreed competition run by The Kennel Club.

It means Bruce will go on to compete in the semi-final stages hosted at the world’s most famous dog show, Crufts, in 2025.

The Scruffts heat, the first of six to be held this year, took place at Newbury Showground as part of the All About Dogs show.

The competition attracted nearly 200 crossbreeds and their owners from all over the region but just four have made it through to the next stage, earning them a place in the semi-final stages at Crufts.

The overall winners of the semi-final will then have the chance to compete in the final, also at Crufts next year.

Speaking of their win, Anna said: “I’m stunned. Bruce is such a handsome, striking, sweet and happy dog and we are thrilled that the judge thought so too.”

The Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition, exclusively supported by pet food maker James Wellbeloved, is open to all crossbreeds and mixed-breed dogs, of all shapes, sizes and age (as long as they are over six months).

Judging the competitors on the day was Kathy Case who had the tough decision of choosing just one winner for each of the four classes: Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog, Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch, Golden Oldie Crossbreed and the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme class.

All dogs competing were judged against the following qualities; good character, good health, good personality and good temperament with people and other dogs.

The four class winners are now preparing to compete at Crufts 2025, which will be held at the NEC Birmingham next March, where the judges will be making the difficult decision of choosing the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year.

The four class winners from each heat will receive delicious goodies from James Wellbeloved, the sponsor of Scruffts, and ultimately the four category finalists at next year’s Scruffts Grand Final will each win a year’s supply of James Wellbeloved food for their dog.

Lucy Williams, PRO Business Marketing Manager for James Wellbeloved said: “Congratulations to our four brilliant semi-finalists who have all qualified for Crufts next year. It was a fantastic day at Newbury and we were impressed by all the entrants who took part."