Pulham Market couple take Best of Breed prize at Crufts 2015 with bull terrier

Published: 13:55, 09 March 2015

20150307 Copyright onEdition 2015 ?'Free for editorial use image, please credit: onEdition''Picture shows Mark Phillips from Norfolk with Nessa a Bull Terrier, which was the Best of Breed winner today (Saturday 07.03.15), the third day of Crufts 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.''Crufts is the world's largest dog show and was established in 1891 by Charles Cruft. This year will see more than 22,000 healthy, happy dogs enjoying competing for the coveted 'Best in Show' title. Crufts 2015 runs from the 5th to the 8th March 2015 at the NEC, Birmingham.''Crufts is the perfect opportunity for dog lovers to find out even more about the range of schemes, activities and events that they can get involved in, to ensure that they and their dog have a long, healthy and fulfilling relationship from puppy-hood, all the way through their lives!''For more information please contact the Press Office via: T: 020 7518 1008 / 1020'E: press.office@thekennelclub.org.uk''For additional images, press releases, video or audio content ple

A dog breeding couple celebrated the pinnacle of their craft when Nessa the bull terrier scooped the Best of Breed prize at Crufts 2015, which finished on Sunday.

The three-year-old bitch belongs to Mark and Joanne Phillips of Pulham Market, who have been breeding bull terriers for 30 years.

Mr Phillips said: “I never expected to win, you always hope to do well but you never expect.”

“I’ve won Best of Breed before with another breed, but to do it with a bull terrier is brilliant. I bred Nessa and she’s great. Now she can retire a champion. What more can you ask for?

“Crufts is a great show. I’ve been coming for the past 30 years and I always enjoy the atmosphere, the shows keeps on getting better.”

The couple run Orchard Kennels and Cattery in the village, and breed bull terriers small-scale alongside the business.

I bred Nessa and she’s great. Now she can retire a champion. What more can you ask for?
Mark Phillips

Mrs Phillips said Nessa will now retire from shows. “She’s going out at the top,” she said.

“Hopefully now we will have a litter from her.”

Mrs Phillips said Nessa is a playful dog, with a mischievous side to her and said the breed as a whole was almost clown-like - enthusiastic and clumsy.

They won Crufts Best of Breed in 1999 with a miniature bull terrier.

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