A stunning breed of spaniel that hails from Bassetlaw's Clumber Park has put the area firmly on the map by taking the top title at Crufts.

Four-year-old Clumber Spaniel Bruin, with owner Lee Cox of Cambridge, took the coveted Best in Show title at the supreme event, held over four days in Birmingham.

Lee and Bruin (Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist) received the Kendall Memorial Trophy and a £200 cash prize after the spaniel was crowned as this year's champion – the first time a Clumber Spaniel has won Best in Show since 1991.

Around 18,600 dogs descended on the world famous show, organised and hosted by The Kennel Club.

Winners: Owner Lee Cox (r) with Bruin, a Clumber Spaniel, who won Best in Show at Crufts 2026 .

placeholder image — Winners: Owner Lee Cox (r) with Bruin, a Clumber Spaniel, who won Best in Show at Crufts 2026 .

Bruin, described by his owner as 'really, really special', is a prime example of a Clumber Spaniel, that has its 18th century roots at Clumber Park.

As one of the heaviest spaniels, the Clumber was bred to flush and retrieve game, and is known to have been a hunting dog choice of King George V, King Edward Vll, and Prince Albert.

It has since become a rare and gentle breed, loved as a family pet.

Rob Holder, general manager for Clumber Park, said: “A huge congratulations to Lee and Bruin for their amazing Crufts Best in Show win.

"We have a special place in our hearts for Clumber Spaniels, as the name derives from Clumber Park itself.

“The Clumber Spaniel is one of the oldest spaniel breeds, dating back to around 1770, and is closely linked to Henry Pelham-Clinton, our 2nd Duke of Newcastle at Clumber Park.”

“There’s hardly a day goes by where we don’t see at least one Clumber Spaniel here in their ancestral home, and it always puts a smile on our faces.

"We love seeing groups like ‘Walking with Clumbers’ visit with their dogs, which has reached the impressive sight of around 100 Clumber Spaniels in the past!”

Clumbers were among the first breeds to be shown in England, with 65 listed in the first Kennel Club Stud Book in 1874.

But they have become vulnerable, with fewer than 300 new registrations annually.

Jannine Edgar, chief executive of the Royal Kennel Club, said: “Congratulations to Bruin and Lee for closing this year’s competition with a truly outstanding win.

"Their connection and skill in the ring shone throughout, making them thoroughly deserving champions”.