Dog with 3k Instagram followers wins at Crufts

Fiona Mackay, 47, from Appleton, showed her Basset Fauve de Bretagne Billy, otherwise known as Champion Shiroblam Rumba, at the prestigious dog show last week and came away with a top title and the opportunity to represent the breed in the hound group.

Fiona owns a dog grooming business, Fiona’s Pad, at her home in the village and after living with dogs all her life, she decided to try showing.

Fiona said: “My mum and dad used to show- they had Afghan hounds and Irish wolfhounds but I decided about four years ago that I wanted to start showing.

“I trained to show dogs at Latchford Ringcraft Club which has been run by the same lady for more than 40 years.

“If it wasn’t for their expertise and help I wouldn’t have achieved what I have.”

Billy, who is only three, already has a whole host of titles to his name including the top Basset Fauve de Bretagne last year for getting the most first places across all the shows he competed in.

Fiona said: “You have to get first, second or third in a championship show to qualify for Crufts- we’ve travelled all over the country.”

“Crufts is the biggest one in the world but it works just like any other show.

“It’s a hobby and a nice way to meet people.

“My husband loves it as much as me!”

Billy has his own Instagram page, @billybassetfauve, which has almost 3,000 followers, so the pooch is no stranger to being in the limelight.

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Fiona explained: “Billy loves showing off and getting all the attention.

“Loads of his Instagram followers came just to watch him at crufts.

“It was exciting but also scary going in the ring with all the lights and cameras.”

Fiona stressed that Billy is first and foremost a family pet and loves nothing more than digging in the garden with Fiona’s three other dogs and going on walks.

Billy also loves to swim and visits Clip or Dip in Stretton for a splash in their hydrotherapy pool.