2007 Crufts Champion Araki Fabulous Willy - Willy was born at Henley Bank Kennels 25th April 2001 bred by Ken Sinclair. It was agreed that we would allow him to be campaigned by Mark Cocozza who is a good friend and was showing an interest in Tibetan terriers as well as being an excellent handler.

Crufts 2007 Champion Araki Fabulous Willy

Willy was born at Henley Bank Kennels 25th April 2001 bred by Ken Sinclair. It was agreed that we would allow him to be campaigned by Mark Cocozza who is a good friend and was showing an interest in Tibetan terriers as well as being an excellent handler.

Willy went to his first Championship show at Midland Counties in 2001 and was recognised as a star in the making by the judge on the day, Sue Whitehead who gave him best puppy, not bad for a dog only just over 6 months old.

He was a UK champion before the age of 2 years and was top Tibetan terrier in 2002, 2003, 2004, & 2005, also being top Utility dog in 2004. "Willy" was owned by John Shaw a friend who I met whilst judging in Hong Kong and me.

Crufts 2007 Champion Araki Fabulous Willy - Photo by Carol Ann Johnson

When Mark retired from showing him in 2004 due to judging commitments, it allowed his breeder Ken Sinclair to take over the handling. In 2006 he became the top winning Tibetan Terrier ever in the history of the breed going on to win 45 cc's in total.

At this stage we decided to let "Willy" go to America to be campaigned on our behalf by Larry Cornelius. He went Best in Show at his first show in the US and gained many fans there during his stay.

"Willy" returned home to be shown at Crufts 2007, and the intention was that he would return to America to be shown there for the rest of the year. "Willy" had been Best of Breed at Crufts 2004 2005 and 2006, already and had won the Utility group in 2004 putting him into the final line up of 7 dogs. In 2007 however, he went that one stage further being Best Of Breed, Best Utility, and then being selected by Best in Show judge Zena Thorn-Andrews as Best in Show. It was the most exciting day I have ever had showing dogs and what is more you could tell "Willy" was enjoying it too.

"Willy" then became a media personality for a week and he seemed to love it. He is now however retired from the show ring and lives at home with me and his daughter "Dizzy". He does make the odd celebrity appearance at local fairs and fetes.

Neil Smith