Six-year-old becomes youngest Crufts competitor

"You walk around the ring once, then come back around and go back to a different corner, then put Penny on the table."

Freddie, 6, has become the youngest-ever competitor at Crufts, alongside his Smooth Fox Terrier, Penny.

The six-year-old from Enville, in Staffordshire, said he was looking forward to his first experience and was fully prepared.

The pair entered the show ring on Thursday, the first day of the competition, at the NEC in Birmingham.

His mum, Kimberley said he had "worked really hard and done lots of training at home and other shows" but ultimately the experience was "all about having fun".

Freddie will have a "special step" so he is able to put Penny up onto the judging table, Kimberley added.

"I'm really proud that he has got this far."

Kimberley said having a pet was a "lifelong commitment" and added that Freddie had got stuck in with caring for both Penny and the family's other dog, Charlie.

"He helps with the dogs, he does their food in the morning and it's a responsibility for him."

The six-year-old's school granted him special permission to have the day off for the show.

Kimberley praised the school and acknowledged how it was great that it also had a pet dog.

"It's really important for children to socialise with animals and dogs are a good outlet for them.

"It gets them outside, it gets them walking, Freddie has a good social circle, and he's learnt etiquette with adults in the show ring because he is showing with people older than him."

She added that Freddie's first appearance at the world-famous show was not about winning.

"Penny is old now so she's a bit past it, but it's more about Freddie being able to go to Crufts and learn about winning and losing, and how to be a graceful loser."

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