A celebration of the best looking and most talented pooches in the country started this week, and five dog owners from Kingston will be hoping their pets have what it takes to win a coveted first place ribbon at Crufts.

For four days dogs from across the country will compete in different categories at the annual competition.

Bull mastiffs, King Charles spaniels, bearded collies and retrievers will all be representing Kingston in the event hosted by the Kennel Club, that began yesterday.

Jacquie Thomas, who runs Barnfield Riding School, has entered her two flat coated retrievers, Sasha and Mawgan – and hopes they will be bringing home ribbons.

Surrey Comet:

Crufts dogs: Sasha and Mawgan 

She said: “Sasha and Mawgan are trained gun dogs as well as show dogs. With them being working dogs too an extra amount of preparation goes into getting ready for the competition.”

At eight years old Sasha is a Crufts veteran, winning a third ribbon at Crufts last year.

Mrs Thomas insisted it was all in the training when trying to develop a champion dog.

She said: “Preparing for the competition is extremely hard work.

“I have a professional trainer in Kent that I go to and it’s not easy fitting that in, along with running a professional riding school.

“But it is all worth it and the training is a fantastic way to be out with your dog.

“It’s not just the dogs who are learning, you’re also being trained in how to work with your animals.

“The more I learn the better it gets.”