Alaskan Malamute Coconut is top dog for islands at Crufts

At Crufts, which takes places in Birmingham, the five-year-old dog won a large Open Bitch class, then Best Bitch and reserve Best of Breed.

‘It’s her highest win to date and I think she placed the highest out of all Channel Islands in this show,’ said owner Nikki Brouard said, who was particularly impressed because Coconut, whose full name is ‘Jsy Ch Sutarka Coco Chanel At Orsamals’, had a litter of puppies just seven months ago.

‘She did really well,’ Ms Brouard added.

‘Our last Crufts experience was in 2019, so it was lovely to be able to get back out showing and to catch up with lots of friends in our breed this time.’

Coconut also won her first Challenge Certificate, which she needs three of to become a UK champion.

‘I have had so many comments from owners all around the world with the same breed and have had lots of support,’ Ms Brouard said.

‘It was a really busy day and there were lots of European dogs.’

Ms Brouard said there had been a lot of training involved, and this was not limited to just running and catching.

‘We do a lot of working things with them,’ she said.

‘We take them away and go hiking in Scotland and the Lake District where they carry backpacks – they are proper working dogs so need to be fit for purpose.’

The pair hope to return to Crufts next year.

‘Coconut is qualified for life so she can go every year, as long as she can continue and is looking happy,’ Ms Brouard added.