THOUSANDS of dogs and legions of their human admirers gathered yesterday for the start of Crufts.
About 150,000 people are expected to attend the world-famous event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham during the show’s four-day run.
In all, 18,698 canines from 200 breeds are signed up — with a record 4,299 entries from overseas.
The Traitors and former Strictly host Claudia Winkleman has been added to the show’s TV coverage on Channel 4.
She cuddled a black pup as she met participants.
Claudia is a dog fan, and has one of her own, called Skip Thykier, who she has described as “the love of my life”.
Thykier is husband Kris’s surname.
She said: “He sleeps in our bed. We chat to him, I kiss his paws and we can no longer go anywhere without him.”
Pedigree breeds of all shapes and sizes were pampered ahead of events designed to test their agility, obedience and appearance.
The most popular breed at this year’s show is the labrador retriever, followed by cocker spaniels, whippets and Staffordshire bull terriers.
Crufts, organised by the Kennel Club, was first held in 1891 in Islington, North London.
