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Pampered pooches descend on NEC for Crufts

Andrew Dawkins & PA Media
BBC News, West Midlands
PA Media Standard poodle waits to groomedPA Media
A standard poodle was seen waiting to be groomed during the first day

Dogs wearing colourful coats, scarves and leg warmers have arrived at the NEC for this year's Crufts.

The show on the outskirts of Birmingham, which attracts more than 18,000 competitors, runs from Thursday to Sunday.

The annual competition sees dogs taking part in a wide variety of challenges and presentations in a bid to take home the trophy.

A selection of agility and jumping tasks were on the agenda for the first day of the show, along with obedience challenges, a West Midlands police dog display and other events.

PA Media Standard poodlePA Media
The furry competitors came to the NEC earlier
Reuters A Yorkshire terrier is groomed ahead of judgingReuters
A Yorkshire terrier was seen being groomed ahead of judging
PA Media PoodlePA Media
Dogs were pictured arriving on the opening day
PA Media Standard poodles in the showringPA Media
These standard poodles were in the showring...
PA Media An English bulldog in the showringPA Media
...along with this English bulldog

The opening day was also due to include the judging of a variety of dog breeds, including miniature schnauzers, English toy terriers, Japanese spitz and chow chows.

Crufts in its current form began in 1891, making it older than the modern Olympics.

The event originally started before that as a show just for terriers.

This year's Crufts will come to an end after Best in Show and the presentation on Sunday.

PA Media Dogs arrivingPA Media
Thousands of dogs will take part in challenges and presentations
PA Media DogPA Media
The annual competition runs until Sunday

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