Shropshire dog breeders win honours at Crufts

One prize was taken by Hannah Rose, 24, with her two-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer Fraggle, while Mary Titley was the other successful entrant with her 15-month-old Curly Coated Retriever Louie.

Hannah, from Arleston Hill, Telford, said: "It feels really amazing. It's such a special feeling. It's a lovely atmosphere at Crufts. I've won Best of Breed twice before and it's so nice to keep coming back."

Mary Titley, of Mill Lane, Hadnall, said: "We have been so pleased, it was genuinely unexpected because he is so young.

"He has done very well all day and he has made us all so proud at such a prestigious event."

More than 22,000 dogs took part in this year's event at the NEC in Birmingham.

Meanwhile, the co-owner of a prize-winning dog which died after allegedly being poisoned at Crufts has said she believes it was the victim of a random attack.

Dee Milligan-Bott said she was certain that the Irish setter, which died at the weekend after returning to Belgium, was poisoned.

But the distraught breeder said: "I don't believe in my heart of hearts that this was another competitor or anyone involved in the dog world.

"I can only imagine that it was a random act that somebody premeditated and wanted to cause total distress at the best dog show in the world."

Three-year-old Irish setter Thendara Satisfaction, known as Jagger, collapsed and died after returning to Belgium from the show at the NEC.

West Midlands police are liaising with Crufts officials and the NEC to secure potential evidence.