Flying fur! Belgian team win top prize in race at Crufts dog show

A Belgian dog racing team has scooped a top prize at the world’s best dog show, Crufts, in the UK. 

Roadrunners Beep Beep won the flyball final at Crufts at the NEC in Birmingham on 13 March.

Flyball is a relay race between two teams of four dogs. Each dog must bound over four hurdles, retrieve a ball by triggering a flyball box pedal and then return over the hurdles to the start/finish line. Any breed of dog can compete in the race.

The Belgian team was made up of dogs and handlers from across the country, with the majority hailing from Flanders.

It was an electrifying final with the Belgian canine quartet successfully setting a new Crufts flyball record of 14.71 seconds to secure the win. They beat off competition from 15 other top flyball teams to take the top prize.

Roadrunners Beep Beep team member Dave Maris said: “It is amazing to win! We are overwhelmed. It is our first time at Crufts and to break six records on the way to winning is a great feeling."

"The dogs just got faster and faster as they became used to performing here," he added.

On their Facebook page, the team said it was a stressful and emotional occasion. “Every flyball team should experience it, there is no other race out there that comes close to the electric vibes @ Crufts live in front of the biggest audience for dog sports in the world.”

Crufts show manager Vanessa McAlpine said: “Roadrunners Beep Beep put on an incredible show in the ring for all the crowd and a massive congratulations to all of the dogs and owners in Roadrunners Beep Beep for securing their win. 

"Their teamwork and passion for flyball was evident throughout and we want to wish them the best of luck in following competitions and future Crufts to come!”

Photo: Roadrunners Beep Beep Facebook page