Harry Potter fanatic with dogs named Dobby and Hedwig wants to bring some magic to Crufts
A Harry Potter fan from Nottinghamshire is planning a triumphant return to Crufts after a magical 2024. Sophie Butcher, 31, has been a fan of the world-famous dog show since she was a teenager, but only started taking part herself four years ago - and has already scooped a number of prestigious awards.
Having won Best of Breed at the 2024 event, Sophie, from Retford, will take to the Birmingham NEC once more in March alongside Dandie Dinmont terriers Dobby and Hedwig - named after two of the Boy Who Lived's most faithful companions in his battle with He Who Must Not Be Named.
"It's nice because I'm a newbie, but I've done well," she said. "A lot of people think you're not going to get anywhere with a new dog and a new person, but we've completely proven that wrong.
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"I definitely think our teamwork is the reason we've done so well. We're so bonded that Dobby will just do anything for me. I think he's a real showman.
"I also think the fact that I am a dog groomer has helped. I had never groomed a dandy before getting my own, so that was a new experience."
Dobby, whose champion name is CH Mishahda Mischief Managed - 10 points to Gryffindor if you spotted that Harry Potter reference - has scooped up an amazing 17 Championship Certificates and 10 Reserve certificates, while also picking up Best of Breed out of 77 entries at last year’s main event.
"It was a dream of mine growing up to be at Crufts. So to actually show there, and how well we've done is brilliant," said Sophie.
"I used to watch it on the TV, and when I was about 14 or 15, I was doing some work experience at a boarding kennels, and the lady there bred and showed miniature dachshunds. So I went to a couple of shows with her, just to help out and that's where I thought I'd love to do this."
Dandie Dinmont Terriers are native to Britain, and were added to the Vulnerable Native Breeds list in 2006. Sophie said she hopes bringing Dobby and Hedwig to Crufts will help raise awareness of the breed.
"Because they're so low in numbers, I do my bit in trying to help the population with Dobby," she said. "It's great going around shows with them because so many people ask 'what are these dogs?', even if you're at a dog show like Crufts. Everyone always thinks they're a poodle cross so it's lovely to be able to tell people I meet about them."
Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners. Crufts is held from 6-9 March 2025 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4 and More4, and for further information and tickets visit crufts.org.uk