From their patterned jackets to fluffy coats, these dogs were certainly making a style statement as they arrived for the first day of Crufts this morning.
Some 20,000 competitors from around the world – and their indulgent owners – are gathering at the Birmingham NEC for the start of the four-day meet.
Among the early arrivals determined to stand out from the crowd was an adorable terrier who cruised in on a skateboard and a pair of dainty poodles who showed of patriotic Union flag coats.
Elsewhere a dog was deemed to precious to lay a paw on the ground and was carried into the arena in its owner’s arms – with a silk scarf wrapped around its head to protect its fur from the rain.
The competition kicks off today with skills including jumping, agility and flyball being judged in the ring in front of a crowd of excited animal lovers.
The long-weekend builds up to the coveted Best In Show title, which is awarded to one lucky pup on Sunday evening.
Alongside the competitions in the main arena, dog owners and lovers can peruse more than 550 trade stands, packed with treats for their much-loved pets, and visit the ‘Discover Dogs’ area, which allows prospective owners to familiarise themselves with 200 different pedigree breeds.
Yesterday staff working at Crufts say they are astonished the event is going ahead amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Workers fear the prestigious event, attended by 160,000 people from all over the world, will be the perfect breeding ground to spread the deadly Covid-19 bug.
Speaking to MailOnline, a contractor who will be exhibiting at the show, said: ‘I don’t know why it’s still on.
At a time when we’re trying to stop coronavirus spreading, it seems highly illogical for an event with so many people from around the world to go ahead.
Of the total number of dog entries, 3,000 come abroad with 366 of them coming from Italy, which has been the European epicentre of the virus outbreak with 79 deaths from 2,502 confirmed cases.
The Kennel Club added that it was aware of speculation that a pet dog in Hong Kong had tested weak positive for Covid-19 but said: ‘There are ongoing tests to determine whether this is due to environmental contamination and at this stage there is no change to the veterinary guidance.’
The World Health Organisation says there is no evidence that companion pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the new coronavirus.
Trend-setting: This Terrier showed off his unique mode of transport as he arrived at the arena by skateboard this morning
Red alert! This little poodle certainly lives by the maxim ‘more is more’ in its matching red coat, socks and glittery hat
Watch the hair! This poodle had its fur tied in bunches and its legs carefully wrapped as it arrived for Crufts with its owner
A wheely good time! Devoted owners wheel their prize-hopefuls into the Birmingham NEC ahead of the first day of judging
Dogs were seen arriving in cages as they prepared to begin their day being pampered and preend to perfection before being judged
Bright and beautiful! This giant poodle proved stripes and spots can work together as it arrived for Crufts this morning
Making an entrance! A poodle in a patriotic Union flag onesie was among the adorable competitors seen arriving this morning
Best foot forward: Two Dalmatians cross the road as they arrive for the first day of Crufts at the Birmingham NEC today
Watch my hair! Owners pushed their pooches in prams (left) and covered their heads with silk scarves (right) on their arrival
Three of a kind! This pack of terriers looked delighted to be joining their doggy friends for a day out at the Birmingham NEC
Walkies? No thank you! These dogs were happy being kept undercover and wheeling their way into the Birmingham NEC
They sure have star power! Two dogs stood out from the crowd in their patterned coats as they arrived at the Birmingham NEC
Wrapped up warm: A dog took refuge in his comfy cage on wheels (left) while a spaniel was given an extra layer (right)
Double trouble! Many owners chose to push their pups in doggy strollers, pictured, in order to keep them comfy and dry
Standing to attention: These impressive pooches looked ready for their moment in the spotlight as they arrived at the arena
Furry friends! Ingenious owners stacked a cage on top of a pram, left. These poodles wanted to get their owner’s attention
Excited! These exceptionally fluffy dogs appeared delighted as they arrived with their owners at the Birmingham NEC
Little and large: A dog had its hair tied in bunches to keep it under control (left). Right, a pooch in a pretty pink jacket
Ready to go! People arrived with stacks of supplies as they prepare to settle into the Birmingham NEC for a weekend of fun