Pampered pooches descend on NEC for Crufts

A standard poodle was seen waiting to be groomed during the first day

Dogs wearing colourful coats, scarves and leg warmers have arrived at the NEC for this year's Crufts.

The show on the outskirts of Birmingham, which attracts more than 18,000 competitors, runs from Thursday to Sunday.

The annual competition sees dogs taking part in a wide variety of challenges and presentations in a bid to take home the trophy.

A selection of agility and jumping tasks were on the agenda for the first day of the show, along with obedience challenges, a West Midlands police dog display and other events.

The furry competitors came to the NEC earlier

A Yorkshire terrier was seen being groomed ahead of judging

Dogs were pictured arriving on the opening day

These standard poodles were in the showring...

...along with this English bulldog

The opening day was also due to include the judging of a variety of dog breeds, including miniature schnauzers, English toy terriers, Japanese spitz and chow chows.

Crufts in its current form began in 1891, making it older than the modern Olympics.

The event originally started before that as a show just for terriers.

This year's Crufts will come to an end after Best in Show and the presentation on Sunday.

Thousands of dogs will take part in challenges and presentations

The annual competition runs until Sunday

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