Harrington-based dog training school celebrates Crufts success

The Curwen Show Dog Training School, based in Harrington, is run by Broughton Moor woman Susan Briant, with classes being attended by show dog owners every week.

Over 20 of the school's pupils won or were placed in the 'world's greatest dog show' Crufts 2025 - with everything from pointers to chihuahuas all taking home places and prizes at the event.

Speaking about the wins to the Times & Star, Susan said: "We are very proud of them. People come as new beginners and it's lovely to see them develop and go through the shows and to win at a place like Crufts.

Joanne Willacy and Agallich Frightful Fankle (or Lando, as the family call him) got reserve in the Bearded Collie puppy class (Image: Supplied) "It's the only show with that kind of experience. You can go all year round to the other shows but there is nothing like Crufts and when you get a placing at Crufts it's extra special. You will have had to work hard to get a dog to the quality that can win at Crufts."

Susan also had personal success with a Hamiltonstövare named Lincoln who won best of breed. She handled Lincoln in the Crufts ring and co-bred it with Maryport 25-year-old Reagan Graham.

Reagan Graham and Susan Briant, from Cumbria, with Lincoln, a Hamiltonstovare which was the Best of Breed winner (Image: BeatMedia / The Royal Kennel Club) She said: "It's a long time since I have been in the big ring. Some of my dogs have been in but I was last in in 1996 with a wolfhound. I got Best of Breed then."

Susan said it was 'really nice' to get a win, with Lincoln now honoured as a winner at Crufts.

She said: "Lincoln's litter sister got best bitch on the day, so when it comes down to the challenge of who would go in to be best breed, it was a brother and sister in the challenge."

Ruby James who won first place positions with her chihuahuas Rubyanlo Miss Molly and Rubyanlo Dream Boy (Image: Supplied) On Monday, March 17, the training school will be holding 'a little celebration' with a buffet, Susan said: "We didn't do it last Monday due to a lot of people still travelling home. You have, like, jet lag after Crufts.

"It's the one day where you are there very early, you leave very late, you have got a lot of travelling to do and it takes you a week to get over it."

Susan said that plans are already in place for next year, with shows being booked in across the country throughout the 2025 show season.