WITH shimmering and perfectly-groomed coats, they are expertly manicured and possess the poise of catwalk models.

After a quick slurp of water, a last minute check that whiskers and eyebrows are neat and tidy they are ready.

The high-pitch noise of excited barking fills the air as thousands of canines stand with their owners waiting to enter one of the biggest dog shows of its type in the country.

The clouds cleared this morning for the opening of the three day Darlington Dog Show – which welcomes more than 7,000 dogs to vie for coveted entry into Crufts.

Ripon Racecourse has played host to the show since 2013, and this year almost 200 breeds will enter the ring in front of around 20,000 spectators.

Across the site, owners had their car boots open, busily clipping and brushing their dogs in final preparation.

They then made their way to the competition ring to present their canines to a number of the UK’s top judges.

Outside the rope, barks were abundant as some misbehaving dogs felt they were missing out on the action.

Today saw hounds, terriers and utility dogs take centre stage, with the turn of working, pastoral, gundogs and toy dogs over the weekend.

One winner will be chosen from each of the seven groups, from which best in show is selected on Sunday.

Many of those showing their dogs had been coming to the region for several years.

Winner of the Best Dog Challenge Certificate was Diane Robinson, from Cumbria, with her Dalmatian, Olly.

In the morning sunshine, he was crowned one of the first winners of today.

“Things just came together out there and I’m so proud of him," she said. He stood perfectly in the ring and his movement was excellent.”

Most entries came from well-known breeds such as Labradors, Poodles and Bulldogs.

All dogs are judged on factors such as health, fitness, temperament and how happy they appear.

Cath Redmond made the journey from Manchester with her 11-month-old Akita called Dream who has competed in Ireland and Belgium.

She said: “After winning Best Puppy in Breed in Blackpool we already have a place at Crufts but I wanted to compete here too.”

Eimear and Aisling Small travelled from Ireland in what was their first time at the event.

Their Dalmation Pixel had already qualified for Crufts after winning Best Puppy in Breed in Bath but they had made the journey with their Afghan Hound to try and qualify him too.

They were making a brief visit with a plane to catch in the afternoon as they had another dog show to attend tomorrow.

Sarah Allsopp, show chairwoman, said: “The racecourse has been a wonderful venue for the show as the fields are so well drained so preparation has gone as smooth as always. It is a friendly, beautiful site and is so easily accessible for roadways.”

Gates open from 7.30am and admission is free. Parking per car is £5 for exhibitors and £10 spectators.