Dogs lead the way at Crufts

It may have been boycotted by the BBC and RSPCA – but Crufts today received the backing of loyal dog lovers from across the country.

The prestigious show, which started today at the NEC in Birmingham, has attracted 4,000 more entries than last year with 28,000 dogs vying for breed categories.

Organisers were left reeling from a BBC documentary last year which claimed the show allowed breeding practices that caused disease and deformities.

But Maureen Sale, 58, from Streetly, who was at the show today with her bearded collie Sonny, said: "If the BBC have feelings about certain dogs then why not just leave them out and film the rest?"

Jane Masefield, 62, from Fallings Park, Wolverhampton was at the show with the Midlands Team of Cruft entries.

She said: "If the BBC felt that strongly then they have done the right thing."

Fans worldwide can watch Crufts or listen to it at www.crufts.org.uk