DOGS and their owners from the North East could be the next big thing on the grandest stage after Crufts 2022 are looking for pooches of all shapes and sizes to apply for next month’s competition.

Between March 10-13, almost 20,000 dogs will descend on the NEC in Birmingham for a long weekend of celebrating dogs at the world’s greatest pet show.

After already getting the entries of thousands of pedigree dogs from all over the globe, Crufts are now asking whether a competitor from the North East will be triumphant across the four days, which will see the coveted Best in Show prize handed out.

Read more: In Pictures: Paws for thought on day three of the Crufts Dog Show

As well as the main prize, the UK’s top crossbreeds will also vie for the judge’s attention to be named Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year; the crowds will also find out which four-legged hero has been voted the winner of The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award; and dogs from around the world will battle it out in agility, flyball and obedience competitions.

The number of breeds competing at Crufts continues to grow, with members of the public having the chance to see three new breeds taking part – the Hungarian Pumi, the Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog and the Harrier, who will be returning to the Crufts breed ring after a gap of 124 years.

Visitors can also meet more than 150 different breeds at the Discover Dogs booths and learn more about what makes each of these dogs unique.

Read more: Scarlett Moffatt's new Crufts show plus two award nominations

As well as enjoying watching the many different events and competitions at the show, visitors can also browse hundreds of stalls selling everything from pet portraits to the latest must-have doggy accessories, and there will be plenty of tasty treats available for both two and four legged visitors.

Weekday tickets for adults cost £20 in advance and £23 on the door and weekend tickets for adults start from £22 in advance and £25 on the door. Best in Show tickets start from £19. Concessions are available across all four days and children under 8 go free. All tickets are subject to a booking fee. Book online here or by calling Ticket Factory on 0844 444 9944.

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