Dogs compete for coveted Crufts place in Staffordshire

More than 200 breeds of dog have been on show in Stafford as they compete for a place at Crufts.

Published Jan 21, 2020

The Manchester Classic dog show at the County Showground. A dog and owner in the main arena

Hundreds of dogs and their owners descended on Staffordshire County Showground over the weekend for the popular Manchester Championship Dog Show.

The Manchester Classic dog show at the County Showground.

The Manchester Classic dog show at the County Showground, Garbo the Maltese

The Manchester Classic dog show at the County Showground, a Jack Russell gets a brush up

The Manchester Classic dog show at the County Showground, eyes on the competition

The Manchester Classic dog show at the County Showground, Skye the terrier shows off

The Manchester Classic dog show at the County Showground, a long day of fun

British and Irish native breeds, including some very rare ones, were among the 9,000 plus dogs at the competition.

The Manchester Classic dog show at the County Showground, Zoe the Papillon

The show saw people from across the UK and beyond compete in a bid to qualify for the worlds biggest dog show, Crufts, which will be held at the NEC in Birmingham in March.

The Manchester Classic dog show at the County Showground, the pomp of a Pomeranian

Competition classes are held across the seven pedigree dog groups: hound, terrier, toy, utility, pastoral, working and gundog. Winners at the Staffordshire show included a Tibetan mastiff, toy poodle, Australian shepherd and a fox terrier.