THE ANNUAL CANINE love-in began at the NEC in Birmingham today.

Crufts is the world’s largest dog show, attracting more than 25,000 dogs from across the globe for the four days of competition.

Today was the turn of the terriers and hounds to show off their agility, rescuing abilities, obedience, flyball and heelwork to music (!).

Later this week, the important Friends for Life competition will be judged. The finalists this year include a dog that helped save the lives of two soldiers in Afghanistan, surviving capture by the Taliban, as well as a police dog that has assisted in 433 arrests.

A three-legged stray that was found on a railway line and is now owned by a seven-year-old boy also made the shortlist. Owen Howkins has a rare genetic disease but his family say Haatchi, the Anatolian Shepherd dog, has given him “a new lease of life”.

Owen himself says, “Haatchi has changed my life. I didn’t really meet many others with disabilities and felt like the odd one out, which made me really sad. But when I saw Haatchi and saw how strong he was, even though he only had three legs, I became stronger myself. I love him so much.”

Watch Owen tell his story:

(YouTube Credit: OfficialCrufts)

Here are some of the contestants from today’s events:

Basset Hound Larry came third in class today.

West Highland White Terriers relax at the NEC.

A Bloodhound takes part in competition.

The Dachshund and the Bloodhound eye each other up.

Someone came prepared for the rain.

A Salauki dog waits patiently for its turn.

Dominico Traversri arrives with his Afghan dog Louis. Yes, that is just one dog.

Whippet dogs arrive on the first day.

Cirneco dell’Etna hounds.

Judging in the Irish Wolfhound category.

An Afghan dog wraps up against the rain.

Just chillin’.

All images Rui Vieira/PA Wire/Press Association Images

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