LIVE video and full gallery: Dogs have their day at Crufts

More than 21,500 pedigree chums from far and wide were straining at the leash as the four-day event – the world's largest dog show – got under way yesterday.

The world-famous show, which dates back more than 120 years to 1891, is welcoming more than 3,000 dogs from overseas to this year's event.

Dogs from 45 countries, including Brazil, Canada and the Republic of Korea, have been entered this year – with the first day of the annual show dedicated to showing gundogs.

Despite the foreign invasion there was a strong contingent from the West Midlands, with residents from Dudley, Brownhills and Birmingham all showing their hounds on the opening day.

Angela Hackett, aged 68, from Shire Oak, Brownhills, was at the show with nine-year-old cocker spaniel Eric, who came second in the Veteran Dog class for his breed.

The dog, known by his show-name Lindridge Star Quest, was presented with a blue ribbon and a certificate by judges following his success.

And he also received from doggy treats from his delighted owner.

It is not the first time Eric has tasted success have previously achieved the accolade of show champion in his class.

Angela said she had been showing dogs for more than 40 years and during that time had over 12 show champions both at home and abroad.

"I am really proud of Eric. It is wonderful he has achieved second in class this time around and I am very pleased," she said.

She also had success with another of her dogs Lindridge Blue Delft, also a cocker spaniel, who took third in the puppy bitch category.

"I have been coming to Crufts every year for a long time," she said. "Some people think it is all about grooming but it is not. It is about looking at all aspects of the dog from his or her personality to their food."

Suzanne Conway, 47, of Upper Gornal, was set to walk out into the glittering arena after four shih tzus she bred – Byron, Dottie, Bonnie and Gino – all qualified for a spot in the last-ever breeders competition at the event. She said they were very proud to be taking part in the prestigious event.

"It is not unusual to have one show dog in a litter but it is very rare to have four," she said.

"This is the last-ever breeders' competition at Crufts and we are honoured just to be a part of it. To have four dogs qualify is extra special. It is something to remember. Just being here it feels like we have achieved something."

All of the shih tzus are 14 months old.

Suzanne and her husband Nicholas, 55, breed a variety of dogs. They will be appearing on three out of the four days at this year's event and will be showing their rare breed Skye terriers.

The couple have been exhibiting for over three years and started breeding dogs around 18 months ago.

Sarah James, 28, of Perry Barr, was showing her six-year-old large Munsterlander Loki.

The science technician, who works at North Birmingham Academy, said she had taken the day off especially to attend the show.

"It is my highlight of the year really," she said. "Loki is a bit of a veteran now as he has been coming to Crufts for the past five years.

"It is always a very special occasion and it is great to see all the other dogs and talk to the other owners. Both Loki and I really look forward to it."

Also among those showing off their pampered pooches yesterday was Valda Chester, from Petersfield, Hampshire, was at the event with her 15-month-old retriever Harley. It was his first time at the event and he was being shown in the special junior category for his breed.

• See also: 21,500 dogs from 45 countries descend on West Midlands for Crufts

Both Valda and Harley were accompanied by Heather Carter, of Farnham, Surrey, who bred the dog.

Heather said: "Crufts is always a special event and is a major occasion in the calendar of many dog owners and breeders. There is always a good atmosphere. It not only gives people the chance to show their dogs but also to look around the exhibitions."

Tina Walker travelled from York with her three Large Munsterlands Zeebs, Sussex and Huggy. The excited dogs jumped around happily as they waited for their moment in the spotlight. Tina said she believed the appeal of the event was not just for owners to show their own dogs but to see others.

"It also gives people the chance to see breeds of dogs they may not ordinarily see," she said.

"It gives owners the chance to meet up and talk. That is why so many people travel down to the event every year."

Kelly Jenkinson, 33, from East Yorkshire, was at the show with her English springer spaniel Midas. He was appearing in the limit class for his breed. "It is a lot of preparation before the event but it is always worthwhile," she said. "In the case of Midas I spend around a fortnight grooming him so he is ready for the competition. We both always enjoy the occasion and Midas gets excited leading up to the event. We come along every year."

Sinead Taggart, who travelled to Birmingham from Dublin, was putting her Hungarian Vizsla Raffa through his paces during the event.

He won the Special Yearling category for his breed at Crufts last year and was competing in the Open Dog class this time.

Sinead said: "He is already a champion in three counties – in Ireland, England and Luxembourg," she said.

Sharon Baxandall, travelled from the Isle of Wight, to show Chesapeake Bay retriever Beguildy Rambling Rose.

As well as lavishing love and attention on their pets many owners are willing to go the extra mile to make sure the pets look, and feel extra special, on the day. And it has been all go at the city's Wolf Run Canine Massage Therapy as owner Sam Axtell – a qualified canine massage therapist – helped pets including Kera, owned by Liz Finchett from the Bradmore, Wolverhampton, through their paces ahead of this year's canine extravaganza.

Alongside the shows were also agility events taking place in the Genting Arena featuring the Kennel Club's Novice Cup Final and British Open Final and hundreds of stalls and stands selling everything doggie-related, from baskets and brushes to paintings and cuddly toys.

Today's shows will be dedicated to working and pastoral dogs, terriers and hounds will then take their turn on Saturday followed by toy and utility breeds on Sunday, when the event will culminate in the prestigious Best in Show.