Day Three of the world’s biggest dog show looks set to be a potential record breaker, with tens of thousands of dog lovers pouring through the doors of the NEC to witness a feast of four-legged fun and competition. Today was the turn of the Terrier and Hound breeds to put their best paw forward in the show rings, hoping to wow the judges and progress towards tomorrow night’s Best in Show spectacular.

Almost 2,500 Terriers, including such popular breeds as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and Border Terrier, started the day dreaming of being the one dog chosen to represent the group in the final tomorrow night. Judge Stuart Plane ran a watchful eye over the Best of Breed winners from the day before selecting Ch Travella Show Stopper, a Wire Fox Terrier owned by Messrs Browne-Cole and Allen from Bristol, and handled by Richard Allen, as his winner.

Shortly afterwards, Dagmar Kenis Pordham took responsibility for choosing one dog from the Hound group to go forward to Best in Show. Over 3,000 Hounds, including Whippets, Beagles and Afghan Hounds, had been in competition during the day and Dagmar picked Ch Marksbury Wistful, a Bloodhound owned by Suzanne Emrys-Jones from St Columb, marking a significant achievement for this very rare breed.

As always at Crufts, there was so much more than just breed judging for the massed throng of dog enthusiasts to enjoy. The NEC Arena, which is being used for the first time at this year’s event, played host to a packed programme of activities, including the Heelwork to Music Freestyle International competition. Lesley Neville followed her success the previous day by taking the top honours ahead of Donelda Guy from Jersey, with Frida Binette from Sweden in third.

Other events taking place in the Arena today included the Flyball Team semi finals and finals, the Agility International Invitational and a parade of Obedience winners. These were interspersed with a variety of fascinating displays by such diverse organisations as the RAF display team and Paws for Thought.

It was a busy day for celebrities at Crufts today. Victoria Stilwell, star of the TV show, It’s Me Or The Dog, set a few hearts aflutter around the show whilst filming a special episode of the popular programme. Victoria also found time to visit the Dog Theft Action stand to present a microchip scanner to Rough Collie Rescue Midlands to help them reunite lost and stolen dogs with their owners.

Much-loved EastEnders actress Pam St Clement also kindly gave up her time to lend her support to Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, celebrating its 25^th anniversary at the show, and Pets as Therapy, which launched its new ‘Sponsor a Volunteer’ campaign at the show. 

Former Crufts TV presenter Philippa Forrester made a welcome return to the NEC today when she launched the forthcoming National Pet Month. The show’s favourite fictional canine creation, K9 from Doctor Who, appeared for the third day in succession, during which time he has managed to pick up two third places and a highly commended in Veteran classes from sympathetic and nostalgic judges.

You may think that everyone would be dog-tired after three long days of both serious and fun competition at the show, but everything is now geared up for a sensational last day of Crufts 2007. Five fantastic dogs have already secured their places for Best in Show and, by the time this report is published tomorrow, we will not only know the final two dogs representing the Toy and Utility groups, but which dog has been chosen for the ultimate canine accolade. Be sure to check here shortly after 9pm tomorrow for all the news from a thrilling final day at the show.    

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