It is with immense pride that I announce that Arthur, our beloved Labrador Retriever, will be competing at Crufts 2026, the world’s most celebrated dog show, held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham from 5 to 8 March 2026, with over 20,000 dogs in attendance.
Arthur arrives at Crufts with a competitive record that reflects both his exceptional quality and the dedication of his team. His accolades include the Young Italian Beauty Champion (JCAC) title, Best of Breed (BOB) victories in Tuscany and Piacenza, and, most recently, the distinguished Champion of San Marino title. These achievements make his participation at Crufts a point of national pride as much as a sporting milestone. As a Labrador Retriever, Arthur will compete in the Gundog group, with judging scheduled for Sunday, 8 March, culminating in the prestigious Best in Show final.
Accompanying Arthur will be Consul Prof. Maurizio Bragagni OBE, his owner, and Mr Marco Burattini, Arthur’s expert trainer. Mr Burattini’s skilled guidance has been central to Arthur’s development as a competitive dog, and their presence at Crufts underscores the serious preparation and professional commitment that have marked Arthur’s journey to Birmingham.
Now in its 135th year, Crufts is a conformation show where dogs are judged against the Kennel Club’s breed standards, assessing ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance. Arthur’s qualification, earned through a series of recognised competitive victories across Italy and San Marino, attests to his exceptional breed conformity and the meticulous preparation that has brought him to this international stage.
The Consulate of San Marino extends its warmest wishes to Consul Bragagni, Mr Burattini, and Arthur, as well as to all fellow San Marinese competitors participating in this year’s show. Their presence at Crufts is a testament to the Republic’s excellence, demonstrating that San Marino’s distinction shines brightly across all arenas of international life.
Arthur is ready to make us proud on the world stage, and we look forward to celebrating his performance at Crufts 2026.