PEDIGREE dogs of all shapes and sizes headed for one of the UK’s largest dog shows today (Friday, September 18).

The three day Darlington Dog Show opened in North Yorkshire, welcoming hundreds of well-groomed canines, from Schnauzers and Shih Tzus to poodles and Chow Chows.

Across the showground at Ripon Racecourse, hundreds of pedigree dogs were being clipped, brushed, scrubbed and hair-sprayed ahead of being shown before some of the UK’s top dog judges.

The show is one of the qualifying shows for Crufts and attracts people from across the UK, usually attracting in the region of 7,000 dogs from 190 different breeds.

Many of those showing their dogs had been coming to the dog show for many years. Brenda Roberts, from Wirral, said she started coming to the show in 1978. Her Shih Tzu, Bugsy, who won veteran dog in his class.

For other pedigree owners, such as Louise Butler, from Liverpool, it was one of their first shows. She won first in the puppy section for Kerry Blue Terriers.

“I’ve only done a couple of shows before, so I had bad nerves,” she said.

“Showing puppies can be challenging, as they can be unpredictable, but it’s been good fun.”

Liz Longdin, from Doncaster, takes part in shows all over the UK with her dog, Eddie, a miniature Schnauzer. She said for those taking part, preparation began well ahead of show day.

“Preparation for these shows is ongoing week-in, week-out whether you have a show or not; you have to plan your dog’s coat plenty of time in advance,” she said.

“You have to do your scissoring and cutting.

“He had to be bathed all yesterday afternoon and this morning blow dried again.”

The show was formerly held in Darlington, but in 2005 moved to the grounds of Newby Hall, near Ripon, when renovation work took place in Darlington’s South Park. To accommodate its growing size, in 2013 it was relocated again to Ripon Racecourse to celebrate its 45th year.

As well as showing a dog, the show also helps provide information to people interested in owning, or showing, a pedigree dog.

Chairwoman of the show, Sarah Allsopp, said: “People from right throughout the country come to support this show and we’ve pleased that we have another good turn-out this year.

“By Sunday we will be down to the seven individual dogs who will be vying for the best in show.”

Darlington Dog Show continues over the weekend and concludes on Sunday.