Crufts is a pedigree operation

The first day of Crufts saw glamorous poodles prancing around the ring while dogs such as dalmatians, lhasa apsos and akitas impressed the judges.

Gill Bingham from Pear Tree Lane in Dudley was at the show with her two Japanese shiba inus, Yummy and Munchie. She said: "Both of them have been to Crufts before and they do get excited when they see you getting the show bag ready. They are small hunting dogs and the most popular breed in Japan – they are their version of our Jack Russell.

"I also have Norwegian Elf Hounds, which I am bringing along on Sunday."

Gill says it took four hours to get Yummy, aged two, and Munchie, aged four, ready for the show.

Chris Clucas from Kidderminster was at the show with her two-year-old chow chow Ella. Ella, whose show name is Hiswin Stellaria, won her class last year at Crufts.

"We are hoping for the same again this time," said Chris. "Her mother, Hiswin Rianna, won Top Brood Bitch in 2007, so Ella is from a family of winners.

"Ella is a quiet dog and so Crufts isn't really her thing whereas her brother Hiswin Starmagellan is much braver and loves to show off."

Nicky Duffield from Tipton was at the show with her two akitas Meeka, aged two, and Kuma, aged three.

"I got into akitas five years ago and now I love going to shows," she says. "They're just brilliant. I like the atmosphere at Crufts and I'm a dog lover so it is the place to be, especially with all the stalls selling dog accessories."

Actor Neil Morrissey, face of The Pedigree Adoption Drive, kicked off the first day of Crufts with a plea to help the nation's 100,000 abandoned dogs.

Neil, speaking about his own experience as a rescue dog owner, says £500,000 will be distributed to dog rescue centres throughout the UK.

"Crufts is the biggest dog event in the world so let's go and do something fantastic for dogs," he said.

"The Pedigree Adoption Drive is a wonderful campaign."

Gill Holland from Wednesfield was enjoying the show with her two lhasa apsos Amy, aged three and Luiz, who is 16-months-old.

"Luiz won Top Utility Puppy 2007, which I'm chuffed about," she said.

"I just love their personality. They are supposed to be wary of strangers but Luiz is so outgoing and friendly.

"However, looking after their coats is a full-time occupation."

Ann Grana, from Alveley near Bridgnorth, was at Crufts showing her four shih tzus. These include Chen, six, Jasmin, nine, Ellie-May, six, and a Kennel Club Champion, and Alice, one. "I have had shih tzus for 13 years now and I just like their lovely little personalities," she says.