Shropshire holds its answer to Crufts dog show

Jake the Norwegian Elkhound is officially top of the pups in Shropshire after beating off the challenge of more than 40 superdogs to win the county's first ever answer to Crufts.

Jake, who goes by the impressive show name Champion Whittimere Platinum, took Best in Show title at the inaugural Shrop Dog contest. The prize pooch is owned by Robert Greaves, from Dudley, and Nicola Croxford, of Northampton.

Jenni Tobijanski, from St Martins, took her dog Josie along to the new competition, judged on Saturday at the Holiday Inn in Telford. It was open to entrants from Shropshire societies and saw the 48 highest-scoring dogs on the show circuit compete for honours.

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James Gaffney, spokesman for the organisers, said the Kennel Club had approved the licence for Shrop Dog which was now set to become an annual event.

He said the it was staged, along the lines of other top dog competitions, on a knockout principle with qualifying entrants being those that had gathered the most points at shows during the year. The points came with wins and placings in class and breed categories and also for being named best in show.

Mr Gaffney said: "Shrop Dog was dreamed up at an Oakengates and District Canine Society Meeting back in 2010. We realised there was no competition to celebrate the dogs who compete in the county. Following discussions with Ludlow, Newport, Oswestry, Shropshire Gundog, Wellington and Whitchurch, the competition was born.

He said the grand final was a great success.