A Lagotto Romangnolo has won Best in Show at Crufts, after a 25-hour journey from Croatia.
The four-year-old, named Orca, is the first of her breed to take the top prize.
Originally from Italy, the curly-haired retrievers were bred as duck hunters but are now more often used to hunt for truffles due to their acute sense of smell.
Lagotto is an Italian dialect word for “curly-coated duck retriever” while, Romagne was the district in northern Italy where the breed was developed, a landscape known for its expansive marshes.
However, the draining of the marhes in the early 20th century saw a decline in the duck population, so there was less demand for the retrieving breed.
Orca won the Gundog group title last Thursday, qualifying as one of seven for Sunday night’s final.
Over 24,000 dogs were at Crufts, 3,457 of which are from overseas.
Owner Ante Lucin was emotional at the news, speaking to The Telegraph he said: “It still feels completely unreal. I was crying so much when I found out.
“After a sleep I hope I realise this is true.
The Croatian team, who breed and produce show dogs, currently have ten at home. They had a 25-hour drive to get to Birmingham.
“My grandfather had dogs and my mother had dogs. It went on to me and I’ve taken it to another level.
Mr Lucin hopes the win will promote the little-known Lagotto Romangnolo throughout the UK and beyond.
“She’s really like a pet, so happy and so nice. This is a dream come true. She never stops wagging her tail.”
Handler Javier Gonzalez Mendikote said: “To me it’s a childhood dream come true.
“I’ve worked for the past 20 years for something like this.”
The Best in Show event saw finalists competing from the Gundog, Working, Pastoral, Terrier, Hound, Utility and Toy categories.
The Reserve Best in Show was won by the Old English Sheepdog, Blondie, who was handled, bred and co-owned by Matteo Autolitano, from Italy.
Huge support from the crowd in the arena went to Paris, an 85-kilo Irish Wolfhound owned by Lead singer of The Real Thing, Chris Amoo.
The ‘gentle giant’ is the biggest of all breeds, and with less than 300 annual puppy registrations is on the Vulnerable Native breed register.
Amoo, who won Best in Show at Crufts 36 years ago, described the five-year-old wolfhound as “one in a million”.
“We bred Paris and he is a very special dog. We are so proud of him.
"I've never lost my passion or enthusiasm for this hobby, after all these years - I don't take holidays because for me, showing dogs, that is my pleasure."
Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts show manager, said: “Tonight’s final has been a fantastic way to end another triumphant year for Crufts.
“Congratulations to Orca who helped end this year’s competition on a real high, taking the coveted Best in Show award alongside her handler, Javier. The pair are very deserving winners and it was clear to see their strong relationship together in the ring.
“Well done to all of our other wonderful finalists too. The dogs, their owners and handlers should be incredibly proud to get through to such a prestigious final – it really is a special achievement.”
The Crufts final was broadcast live on Channel 4 from the NEC in Birmingham.
