WATCH LIVE: 21,500 dogs from 45 countries descend on West Midlands for Crufts
It's a foreign invasion at this year's Crufts - but dog owners from the Midlands will be flying the flag as thousands flock to the world famous show today.
From terrific terriers to brilliant boxers - the class of 2015 were looking fabulous at the launch of the world famous canine competition.
This year the best of British will take on more than 3,000 dogs from all four corners of the globe, with almost 21,500 dogs heading to the NEC for the show, which runs until Sunday.
Dogs from a total of 45 countries will take part, including far-flung destinations like Brazil, Canada and the Republic of Korea.
Numbers of foreign dogs have swelled since 2001 when legal changes meant pets no longer had to spend six months in quarantine to enter the UK.
This has reportedly sparked complaints from owners, who say Crufts is a British event.
But for thousands of enthusiasts arriving today, their focus is just on catching a glimpse of the best in business.
And while it's a dog's life for those pampered pooches on the day, the show represents months, if not years, of effort for their owners, breeders and handlers.
Even ahead of today's show opening to the public, dog owners were getting up at 3am to prepare their beloved animals for their starring role.
More on Crufts can be found at Native Monster.
Many of the owners arrive at Birmingham's NEC in the early hours to find their pitch to start the long process of grooming ahead of their moment in the spotlight.
And none are more nervous that dog breeder Suzanne Conway, from Upper Gornal, Dudley, who is preparing for her appearance in the main show arena.
Mrs Conway, aged 47, will be walking out in the glittering arena, which hosts the Best In Show contest on Sunday night, later today in front of the television cameras.
Her prized shih tzus - Byron, Dottie, Bonnie and Gino - all aged around 14 months - have qualified for a spot in the last-ever breeders competition final at the show.
"It is wonderful occasion but I'm nervous about walking out there. It's the main arena, with all the lights and the television cameras," she said.
Mrs Conway and her husband Nick breed a variety of dogs helped by prime handler Jolene Silsbury.
They will be at the show for three out of the four days and will also be showing their rare breed Skye terriers.
Crufts also inspires a new generation of dog lovers - including those prepared to help raise funds for those less fortunate animals.
Oliver Beckett, aged 11, from Walsall, is a member of the Young Kennel Club and is looking forward to going to show on Sunday.
He has been nominated in the fundraiser of the year category of the Shaun McAlpine Outstanding Young Person Award.
The title celebrates the hardworking, inspirational and selfless actions of young dog lovers and Oliver is up against four others.
He was moved to set up a 'Pledge £1 for Alfie' fund following the plight of a cruelly treated rescue bullmastiff who suffered horrendous injuries and died.
The St Patrick RC Primary School pupil has two bullmastiffs himself - two-year-old Yogi and Tinka who is 17 months old.
The youngster will be joined at the show by his father Dave Beckett, 50, who said: "It is brilliant for him.
"He takes his dogs for walks, looks after them. He has been around dogs since he was born. I had bullmastiffs myself too."
Another taking their place in the awards shortlist is Bradley White, aged 17 from Kidderminster.
He was selected in the Young Braveheart of the Year category.
The teenager lives with autism and attention deficit problems but he was able to overcome his low confidence thanks to the bond with his dog, Sidney.
Businesses in the Black Country also benefit from show, including the Wolf Run Canine Massage Therapy Centre, based in Wolverhampton.
The centre's owner, Sam Axtell, established the business back in 2013 and now treats a number of dogs that will be competing in the show and agility rings at this year's event.
People travelling to the show in the coming days are advised of a number of roadworks projects on the Midlands motorway network.
These include the overnight closures of the M5 at junction four for Lydiate Ash near Halesowen and on the M42 at junction six for the NEC.
