Crufts' youngest competitor wows judges - and beats her mum

The youngest competitor at the world's biggest dog show is celebrating after an impressive performance that outdid her own mother.

Four-year-old Caitlyn competed at Crufts at the weekend with her eight-year-old miniature schnauzer Zeeva and received a 'highly commended' award.

The young dog handler gave her mum and fellow competitor Lydia Mellor a "big hug" when she heard the news.

Lydia, from Groesffordd, near Brecon, Powys, said: "Whatever she does I get a massive hug afterwards. More so when she beats me."

Caitlyn was the youngest competitor at the event at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre and finished in fifth place in the veteran bitch class with Zeeva.

Lydia, who was in the same category with their 11-year-old miniature schnauzer Hope, did not receive a placing.

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Caitlyn proudly showed off her rosette and certificate for her efforts.

Lydia, 37, said the dog-loving family were all "up and showered" at 04:30 and Caitlyn did not fall asleep until she got back to her home at 19:30.

The youngster qualified for Crufts at just three years old after being placed in the Three Counties Championship Show in June.

She went to her first dog show at eight weeks old and by the age of two wanted to go into the ring with her mum, who has been showing dogs since she was 10.

Growing up, Lydia was a typical "dog-mad child" and has been "addicted" ever since, she said.

Caitlyn now appears to be following her mother's lead.

"She is so confident generally and she works so well with the dogs. She loves the dogs," said Lydia previously.

Zeeva is one of four white miniature schnauzers the family own and show and has a close bond with Caitlyn, even sleeping in the youngster's bed.

The youngest Crufts winner is thought to be Freddie, then six, from Bobbington, Staffordshire, who took home first place in the veteran breed category last year.

Lydia added they have "confidence" that Caitlyn can be the next young winner.

The annual competition, which was first held in 1891, judges dogs in various categories.

The 2026 competition had more than 200 pedigree breeds competing from March 5-8.