Crufts 2018: Thousands of dogs battle it out for place at prestigious show - with pictures
More than 8,000 dogs did battle at a contest decide who will get to compete at Crufts next year.
Owners and their pets descended on the Staffordshire County Showground eager to demonstrate they were best in show.
More than 200 different breeds took part in the competition, designed to identify those dogs who have what it takes to perform in the famous Crufts competition.
Dogs at the Stafford show, which took place between Thursday and Sunday, were judged on a number of factors, including temperament and fitness.
The show is one of the biggest gatherings of dogs in the UK and owners were desperate to show they were good enough to progress to the main event in Birmingham in March.
Rare breeds such as the Norwich Terrier, Bearded Collie, Dandie Dinmont Terrier and Curly Coated Retriever were on display.
They are among breeds which are bred in such small numbers that they are considered by the Kennel Club to be at risk of disappearing from Britain’s streets.
Hound and Pastoral breeds competed on Thursday, followed by the Working and Terrier breeds on Friday, the Toy and Utility breeds on Saturday 28th and the Gundog breeds on Sunday.
Show secretary Rodney Price said: “Ours is one of the biggest dog shows in the UK, so naturally we are very proud of that fact. It brings thousands of dog lovers to the area each year.
“The show is a huge celebration of man’s best friend."
