Skye-high finish is aim of Dudley Crufts star - LIVE updates from the show
With his glossy coat and good looks Dougie would not be out of place strutting his stuff on the catwalk.
But this rare little terrier is hoping to be named top dog as his owner preparieshim for a starring role at Crufts.
He is one of just a few dozen Skye terriers in the country – making his breed among the most endangered in the UK. However, his proud owner Suzanne Conway says this just makes the 15-month-old dog even more special.
He was resting up at the family home in Hill Street, Upper Gornal, Dudley, as the world-famous dog show starts today at the NEC near Birmingham.
But his owner is preening and brushing him ready to take to the parade floor in a bid to wow the judges in the junior Skye terrier class tomorrow.
Reporter Lee Watton was reporting live from Crufts. See his updates here.
Mrs Conway, aged 46, and her husband Nick, 53, started dog breeding around two years ago and first exhibited at Crufts last year. "He is such a lovely dog and he has a good nature and I'm delighted to be able to take him to Crufts," she said.
"I have met so many people since I started doing these shows and we have made so many good friends.
"Many of the breeders we speak to over the internet all year so it is great to be able to get together at Crufts as there is such a good atmosphere.
"It is also lovely if your dog wins."
There are only around 70 Skye terriers in the country with around 17 puppies born last year.
And Mrs Conway says that she wants to help promote the breed to boost its popularity once again. The dogs were named after the Isle of Skye in Scotland and often have a blue, grey or black hair.
Mrs Conway also has six shih tzus and six puppies which she hopes to be able to show in the future as well.
Dougie was born in Bridgend in Wales, where the Conways travelled to buy him.
His full name is Talyot Niall at Suzitzu which combines his original kennels name, his original first name Niall and his new kennel name.
It is a long day for dog and owner as they have to wake up for 4am ready to be at the NEC for 7.30am.
Grooming starts shortly after and dogs are not allowed to leave the exhibition halls at all until at least 4pm.
Mrs Conway will also be back on Saturday to exhibit her to two shih tzu dogs, Pepe and Bella, who are a brother and sister aged 16 months.
