PEDIGREE dogs of every breed will be showcased in the North-East this weekend.

Darlington Dog Show attracts competitors from all over the world and 8,401 dogs will compete for the coveted Best in Show award at this year's event.

The winners of each class will also qualify for Crufts 2004, which is being held at the NEC in Birmingham.

Tomorrow, hounds, terriers and utility dogs will battle it out, Saturday it will be the turn of working and pastoral dogs, and on Sunday gundogs and toy breeds will be displayed.

Visitors to the show, to be held in Darlington's South Park, will be able to visit trade stands and talk to owners and experts about the various breeds of dog.