Eric, a Pekingese from Moffat, Dumfriesshire, has won Best in Group for Toy breeds at Crufts 2016 today (Thursday March 10th), qualifying them for a place in the Best in Show final on Sunday.
Eric (Kennel Club name Ch Yakee Ooh Aah Cantona), age seven, will return to the Genting Arena at the NEC in Birmingham for a place in the final of the 125thanniversary of Crufts with his owner, Bert Easdon. People around Britain and the world will be watching on Sunday evening to see which dog is crowned Best in Show as the final is shown live on Channel 4 and streamed on the official Crufts YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/crufts.
Almost 22,000 dogs are competing over the four days for one of just seven places in the Crufts final and a chance to win the most celebrated title in the world of dogs.
Proud owner Bert, said: "Eric is a fantastic dog with a great character. I was going to retire him but decided to bring him back and this is his first show since Crufts last year. He's a beautiful, sound and happy dog. After all these years I still get a real thrill when one of my dogs win."
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "Congratulations to Eric and Bert for winning Best in Group today - it is only day one of four and already we can see that it is going to be an exciting final.
"Crufts celebrates healthy, happy dogs and recognises the special and unique bond between dogs and their owners. Eric is such a lovely little dog that clearly loves being in the show ring and has a great relationship with his owner.
"Eric and Bert should be very proud of reaching the Best in Show final - it's an incredible achievement and not one many get to experience. We wish them all the best for Sunday."
For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The results for Crufts 2016 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk. For free downloadable images from Crufts 2016, please go to www.w-w-i.com/crufts_2016/.