Who will be named Top Dog? (From Malvern Gazette)

Who will be named Top Dog?

2:21pm Saturday 5th January 2013 in News By Elizabeth Sweetman, @lizsweetmanWN #worcsnews

HUNDREDS of cute canines are hoping to become prize-winning pooches at an annual dog show today.

A total of 720 dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds travelled the length and breadth of the country with their owners to take part in the open show, organised by the Worcester and Malvern Canine Society, at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern.

The judges had also travelled from across the country for the show, including two from Scotland.

All entries had to be registered with The Kennel Club and the show is run under Kennel Club guidelines.

Secretary of the society, Hilary Norbury, said they the judges would be checking everything from the shape of a dog’s eyes to their shoulders being in the right place as this can affect how it moves.

Despite entries coming from far and wide, such as Essex, Derbyshire and south Wales, Mrs Norbury said the number was down on last year’s 800 due to a range of factors including the cost of petrol and worries over flooding.

But she said people were welcome to come and enjoy the show.

Mrs Norbury said: “It’s a very friendly affair. We don’t charge members of the public to come in.

“We like them to come in and see all the breeds together.”

Paula Purnell had travelled from Cardiff with her golden retriever puppy, Saffie, aged 10.5 months, who won first place in the puppy category for her breed and came second in the junior category.

Ms Purnell said: “She’s been in several shows but this is her first first, so we’re pleased with that.

“To get ready, she normally has a bath before most shows and it normally takes an hour to trim her.

“We’ve done the Worcester and Malvern show before, it’s worth coming for, definitely today.

“She’ll get a treat later for coming first.”