Dog handler Stephanie Best from Ringwood qualifies for Crufts with Shetland sheepdog, Skedaddle

A DOG handler from Ringwood will be putting her Shetland sheepdog through its paces at Crufts next year after qualifying for the final.

Stephanie Best (32) says she is “extremely delighted” that she and dog Z-Atomic Spice Koryfej (Skedaddle) won the competition’s Medium ABC (Anything But Collie) semi-final last month.

The competition consisted of two rounds – a jumping round and an agility round.

The top eight competing dogs and handlers who earned the highest combined score across both rounds qualified for the final.

They will now take part in Crufts in London in March.

Proud owner Stephanie said: “I’m extremely delighted and proud of Skedaddle and his achievement and performance at this event. Skedaddle has had a great competition season this year.”

It’s the second year in a row that Stephanie will be appearing at Crufts.

Last year she won The Kennel Club British Open Agility competition with her five-year-old brown collie Fate.

Catherine Guiver, head of events at The Kennel Club, said: “This is the first time we have held the Crufts semi-finals at the London International Horse Show and the excitement was incredibly high.

“Well done to all competing dogs and their owners for showing great skill in the arena.

“Congratulations to Stephanie and Skedaddle for their impressive performance – we look forward to seeing the pair compete in the final at Crufts in March.”