THOUSANDS of canines will descend on Ripon Racecourse in a bid to win a place at Crufts.

In what is one of the largest events of its kind in the UK, the Darlington Championship Dog Show will see more than 200 breeds visit Ripon on September 15-17.

For a place at next year’s Crufts and the ultimate ‘Best in Show’ prize, the pedigree dogs will be judged on factors such as temperament and that they are fit, healthy and happy.

Among the 7,000 dogs on show, rare breeds will include the Black and Tan English Toy Terrier, Sealyham Terrier, Smooth Collie and Otterhound.

These breeds are bred in such small numbers that they are considered by the Kennel Club, who run Crufts, to be at risk of disappearing.

David Guy, secretary of the show, said: “The show is a huge celebration of man’s best friend and visitors will get to meet lots of wonderful dogs throughout the weekend, find out more about dog showing and the various activities they can get involved in with their own dog, and browse the many dog products on the trade stands.

“And for anyone who is new to dog showing, or who brings a ‘spectator dog’ along with them, the society will be conducting tours of the show to give a flavour of what goes into running such a large event.”

The show is also useful for those researching the right breed of dog for them, as visitors will be able to meet the dogs as well as talk to experts in each breed.

More information can be found at www.darlingtondogshowsociety.weebly.com/ and details on dog showing, and any other activity dog owners can get involved in, can be found at www.thekennelclub.org.uk