Crufts 2009: thousands of dogs bid to be best in show

Dogs and their owners arrive for the first day of the annual Crufts dog show. During this year's four-day competition, about 23,000 dogs and their owners will vie for a variety of accolades but ultimately seeking the coveted best in show prize Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty

A basset hound takes a rest in its pen after judging on the first day. Amid controversy over the breeding and welfare of dogs, the main sponsor, Pedigree, and the BBC have this year dropped out of supporting the world's biggest dog show. The Kennel Club has now introduced new standards for 209 breeds, following concerns about ill health in pedigree dogs Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty

Dogs arrive at Crufts in their winter jackets. Crufts was named after its founder, Charles Cruft, who worked for a dog biscuit manufacturer Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty

An enthusiastic dog lover arrives to watch the show, which has been running since 1886, when the First Great Terrier Show had 57 classes and 600 entries Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty

Dogs and their owners arriving at the Birmingham NEC. The event was held in London until 1991 when rising numbers meant that a larger venue was needed Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty

Stuffed toys are seen on a stall at the show Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

A dog owner feeds his beagles in their pen Photograph: Rui Vieira/PA

An Afghan hound waits before entering the parade ring Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

Janine Dymott, from Scotland, competes with Brough the bloodhound Photograph: Rui Vieira/PA

A judge makes notes in the parade ring Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

A borzoi waits to perform in front of the audience in Birmingham. It is estimated that 160,000 people will visit the show Photograph: Martin Argles

A West Highland white terrier is groomed before showing on the first day Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty

West Highland terriers line up in the ring Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty

Beagles wait to perform Photograph: Martin Argles

The boots of a spectator are seen as an Afghan hound enters the parade ring Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters