In pictures: Thousands visit Crufts at Birmingham NEC
- Published
More than 27,000 dogs are expected at the annual Crufts show which has opened at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre (NEC).
Owners have spent hours grooming their dogs before taking them into show rings around the site. The event run by the Kennel Club includes competitions in agility and heelwork.
Some animals were particularly well groomed.
The prestigious Best in Show title will be awarded at the event on Sunday.
Many dogs arrived at the event wrapped in blankets or special waterproofs as owners preserved their pets' immaculate appearances.
The Kennel Club estimates about 145,000 people will visit the four-day event.
The Friends for Life award, which looks at the stories of dogs who have helped people, such as through illness or rescues, is among the main attractions.
This year's event features a record number of overseas entries, with more than 2,000 dogs from 42 countries outside the UK taking part.
Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: "The fact that dog owners continue to come in their thousands to celebrate their dogs on the world's most famous dog stage is testament to what a special place Crufts holds in the hearts of dog lovers throughout the world."
Waiting for the different competitions can be tiring for both dogs and owners.
- Published7 March 2013