Crufts 2017: Photos of pooches and their owners arriving at prestigious dog show

First held in 1891, Crufts is said to be the largest show of its kind in the world, with thousands of dogs taking part each year.

Crufts 2017 marks the 126th anniversary of the world's most prestigious dog show, with competitors travelling from across the globe to take part in the event. First held in 1891, Crufts is said to be the largest show of its kind in the world, with thousands of dogs taking part each year.

Crufts arrivals — Matt Cardy/Getty Images

Crufts begins on Thursday (9 March) and will run every day before climaxing with the Best in Show the following Sunday. By then, 22,000 dogs from hundreds of breeds will have been whittled down to seven group winners. The number of breeds competing at Crufts continues to grow, adding to the diversity of the event, with the inclusion of two new breeds – the Lagotto Romagnolo and the Cirneco dell'Etna – which will have their own breed classes at Crufts for the first time.

In this gallery, IBTimesUK takes a look at some of the dogs who will be competing this year, as they arrive at the at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham: