A PUPPY called Riva has qualified for the final of a national competition.

The young Belgian shepherd dog will compete for the Pro Plan Pup of the Year title next month.

Owners Jean and Colin Turnbull are hoping the 11-month old groenendael will go one better than her grandmother, who appeared in the London final 12 years ago, by clinching the title.

Riva - pedigree name Delark Viva Espanja at Jenkova - was selected from 411 dogs by judges at a qualifying round in Doncaster.

Mrs Turnbull, of Crook, County Durham, said: "She is lovely, her massive black coat really makes her special.

"They are an unusual breed to see so don't always do well in competitions, we are so excited and I'd love her to win.

The couple have seven dogs - three groenendaels, three tervuerens and a miniature husky - which they keep as family pets and show. Last year, one of their groenendaels, Mack, was the reserve champion at Crufts.