Last updated at 14:08, Friday, 15 March 2013

An office superviser and her three-year-old Ibizan hound have proven every dog does have its day after walking away with a top prize at Crufts.

Steph Marston-Pollock with Maki

Maki was one of more than 25,000 dogs at Birmingham’s NEC, presented by the Kennel Club, which is celebrating 140 years, and claimed the prestigious Best of Breed award at the weekend.

Owner Steph Marston-Pollock, 27, from Penrith, was left beaming with pride at her and Maki’s performance.

“I think I have been to Crufts every year since I was born, it’s a big family thing for us,” she said.

“I’m the third generation taking part in the show. It is the ultimate show really and what you aim for all year.

“Maki is a great dog. She is really sensitive but behaves really well in shows. We came here to win and it’s great to pick up best in show.”

Other local winners included Cumbria County Council worker Jeanette Glaister and two-year-old Dexter, who saw off competition from other salukis to take the breed’s prize. Mrs Glaister, 55, of Carlisle, said: “It really is just brilliant to be here at Crufts and to win.

“I knew Dexter could potentially be in for an award after doing well here as a puppy. He is such a beautiful dog.”

She added: “We are hoping to be back at Crufts next year with Dexter, as he loves being here competing.”

And it seemed the Border City is a breeding ground for success, with Blues, a five-and-a-half-year-old Australian silky terrier, scooping the top prize in his category too. It was the second time owner Jude Reyes, 37, a staff nurse from Carlisle, has won the prize.

“It means a lot to me to have won best in breed,” Mr Reyes said. “It’s my dream come true. It’s the highest accolade you can get and it’s the second time I have picked it up now.”

He added: “Crufts is just a really special thing. It’s the pinnacle of the dog calendar and we love coming back each year.”

First published at 14:04, Friday, 15 March 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk