Thousands to attend Staffordshire dog show
British and Irish native dog breeds, including some very rare ones, will be among the 10,000 plus dogs which will descend on Staffordshire County Showground in Stafford from May 4 to 7 for the Birmingham National Championship Dog Show.
The show will see more than 200 breeds and their owners from all over the UK and beyond compete in a bid to qualify for Crufts, which will be held at the NEC in Birmingham next March.
The pedigree dogs taking part will be judged on a number of factors in the ring, including temperament and that they are fit, healthy and happy dogs that are good examples of their breed.
The show is one of the largest gatherings of dogs in the UK and will see rare British and Irish breeds competing, such as the Lancashire Heeler, Bloodhound, Smooth Collie, Mastiff, Irish Water Spaniel and Norwich Terrier.
Jennie Griffiths, secretary of the show, said: "Ours is the longest-running dog show in the world and naturally we are very proud of that fact. Our first show was held in 1859.
"Being centrally located in Staffordshire, the show is very popular with visitors and brings thousands of dog lovers to the area each year.
"We are expecting this year's show to be bigger and better than ever."
To find out more, visit www.thenationaldogshow.org.uk
