Crufts – the eccentric, fur-filled extravaganza – is back, returning for its 129th anniversary at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre.
The four-day dog show will see a wide variety of canine competitors battle it out to win an array of accolades, the most coveted award being the Best in Show prize.
Follow The Independent‘s live blog below for all the latest news on the event.
Crufts is steeped in history, this being its 129th year.
The show was founded by dog biscuit manufacturer Charles Cruft, who initially created it as an event exclusive to terriers.
Find out more about the history of Crufts here.
While the show is hugely popular among canine fanatics, it has been criticised in the past.
In 2018, animal rights protesters disrupted the end of the event when Tease, a whippet, was being awarded the Best in Show prize.
The protest was organised by Peta, who said the demonstrators had "highlighted the suffering of dogs bred by humans to have grossly exaggerated features".
However, the Kennel Club recently confirmed that the show will take place as planned, adding that this is "an evolving situation".
Crufts isn't only about the competitors, as the event is also attended by a variety of canine spectators.
The West Midlands Police has revealed the force will be at the event with its police dogs, who – in all honesty – look far more cute than they do ferocious.
Last year, rescue dog Olly stole the show two years after becoming an online sensation.
In 2017, the Jack Russell terrier became an internet phenomenon after delivering a performance that saw him collide face-first with the floor while trying to jump over a hurdle and uncontrollably speed around the ring.
He made his triumphant return in 2019, spurring the commentator to say: "Oh dear, it's Olly."
The Royal Air Force Police dog display team will also be in attendance throughout the four-day show.
It has been reported that Crufts sponsors James Wellbeloved and Royal Canin will not be in attendance at Crufts due to fears over the coronavirus.
The Kennel Club informed Daily Star Online that the pet food companies made a "global decision" on attendance at large events.
Crufts has shared a livestream of show on Twitter and YouTube, so that avid dog fanatics can stay up to date with the goings-on of the competition.
In addition to following the live action throughout the day, you can also catch up with what's happening at Crufts later on Channel 4.
Crufts 2020, a one-hour programme, will be shown on Channel 4 at 3pm today.
Last year's Best In Show winner was Dylan, a Papillon from Belgium.
Here the dog is pictured with their owner, Kathleen Roosens, after winning the top prize.
If you are planning on driving to Birmingham's NEC for Crufts, you don't need to worry about finding a parking space.
There are more than 16,500 spaces available at the exhibition centre, in addition to a range of available payment methods.
For all the latest news on Crufts, click here.
