ALL canine creatures great and small went on show at the second annual Barton Dog Show yesterday.

Pet owners from Barton and beyond entered their handsome hounds for titles from best utility dog to prettiest bitch.

More than 30 dog devotees entered their prize pooches in the competition which raises money for Hounds for Heroes and Dogs for the Disabled.

And there were some interesting pairings including Bailey, the 11-month-old Chihuahua, and Brian, the 74kg Great Dane.

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Three-year-old Brian’s owner Lynn Redman, who brought him from Tetsworth to compete, said: “I know Hayley who organised the show and I wanted to support the charities.

“Brian’s lovely really, good-tempered and very laid-back.”

The show was organised for a second year by Barton dog groomer Hayley Davies.

Mrs Davies, 45, of Edgecombe Road, set up Mucky Paws Community Pet Care just over a year ago, to help her cope with clinical depression.

The former estate agent, who owns two Dalmatians, an English pointer and a Jack Russell-Staffy cross, said: “I suffer from depression.

“I have always loved dogs and my husband, Stuart, suggested I should do something with dogs – so I did.

“It has really helped with my illness.”

Among the other titles being competed for in the competition were waggiest tail, top gundog and “dog the judge would like to take home”.

The judge in this case was retired professional Allyson Giel, who travelled from Shropshire to cast an expert eye over the cast of canines.

Jane Boutflower, whose show-type cocker spaniel Blossom won prettiest bitch, said: “It was lovely, I didn’t think she would get it.”

Mrs Boutflower, 42, from Headington, who bred Blossom herself, added: “It’s a lovely show and it is really good to have the community support.

“It’s also nice to promote dogs in a positive way that reduces fear.”

More than £600 worth of prizes, including toys, treats and vouchers, were supplied by Headington’s Pet and Garden Store.

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