THEY don't call him Magic Mike for nothing!

This perky pup from Wallingford beat competition from 9,381 other dogs at the Manchester Championship Dog Show last month to be crowned Best in Show.

The 18-month-old Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, whose official Kennel Club name is Champion Soletrader Magic Mike, was handled to victory by his owner Sara Robertson.

Ms Robertson, who owns Mike in partnership with Wendy Doherty of Ontario, Canada, has competed at dog shows since childhood.

She said: "It was such an amazing feeling of joy and pride when Mike was chosen as the Best in Show winner.

"You picture it happening but never think it will be your own dog which gets selected.

"Mike is such a sweet boy and loves the girls he lives with and totally adores our two children."

Her husband Gavin is no stranger to success either, as he handled Mike’s mother Jilly to Best in Show at Crufts in 2013, proving the old adage that ‘success breeds success’.

The Kennel Club recognises 220 breeds of pedigree dog.

The rough-coated Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen – usually referred to as the PBGV by devotees – was originally bred to trail hare in the bramble-filled terrain of the Vendée district of France. They tend to be active, happy and independent and willing to please.

Being a hound breed, they need regular walks, not only to stimulate their brains but also to use their noses in different areas. However the Kennel Club, which organises the Manchester Championships, says care must be taken to exercise them only in enclosed spaces or on a lead, as otherwise, being a pack animal, they may run away. Their casual-looking coat requires brushing once a week to remove loose hair.

Mrs Robertson added: "PBGVs are a breed which enjoys life regardless of what sort of day you may be having yourself – they always make you smile."