I have been confused by this for many years, but never ssem to get an answer which isnt totally contridicted by someone else! We have Alaskan Malamutes, in the 'special' classes ie special puppy, special junior etc is it just the first place that qualifies for Crufts the following year or 1st to 3rd as a normal champ show. Have been told by my breed club its 1st to 3rd but have been told different by the KC show department, one told me only 1st, another person at the KC tells me 1st to 3rd, I'm sure u can see my confusion :/

Taken from this year's schedule:

Awards as above qualify a dog for entry at Crufts 2013 only if the class in which the award was gained
was not made 'Special' in any way, i.e. by age, colour, height, weight, coat, to members of a society, to
breeders etc. An exception is made only in the case of Prize Winners in Special Puppy and Special
Junior at Crufts 2012.

So 1st-3rd will qualify.

Thank you Kayenine, much appreciated :)