CAPPUCCINO is under strict instructions to stay in shape after finishing as runner-up for a top prize at Crufts.

The Basset Griffon Vendéen (Petit) came second out of 3,351 entries in the Hound Group at the breeders’ competition at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre.

Owners Gavin and Sara Robertson, who run Honeybottom boarding kennels and grooming parlour in Steventon, near Abingdon, are delighted Cappuccino was placed so highly.

But Mr Robertson said the three-year-old would not be allowed to relax and would now prepare to compete in the World Dog Show in Denmark in July.

The father-of-two, 36, said: “Cappuccino is a house dog as well as a show dog, but we don’t allow him to sit around on the couch all day watching TV.

“You rarely find a pet dog who is at the top of the tree so we keep a very close eye on his maintenance, weight and his exercise.

“He is an extraordinarily good show dog because he has a fantastic temperament. He shows off to the judges and really enjoys it.

“We usually go to about 30 dog shows a year and although there is no money in it, we love to compete for the prestige of winning a rosette and a title.

“Cappuccino is the pick of the pack at the moment – an up-and-coming dog – and I hope he goes on to win more prizes.”

Mr Robertson says he has been going to Crufts since the age of six to compete in shows with Basset Griffon Vendeens and Beagles.

He added: “We do this for the love of it.

“We are not commercial breeders but we do breed some dogs and if you are successful in shows then people might come to you for a puppy.”

James Smith, a spokesman for the Kennel Club, which runs Crufts, said: “Cappuccino has done very well and is definitely one of the top 15 dogs in the country.

“He has a good chance of winning the Hound Group next year and was only beaten this year by King, a Pharoah Hound from Sweden.”

Other Oxfordshire winners were:

Chihuahua (Smooth Coat) called Nikitos Nutheridea owned by Beverley Sutton, of Wantage, won First Place Special Puppy (Dog)

Deerhound called Ghiltan Hero, owned by Lynnette Seymour-Jackson, of Abingdon, won First Place Good Citizen Dog Scheme (Dog)

Havanese called Rothermere Ruffus The Red, owned by W and G Morris, of Wantage, won Second Place Special Puppy (Dog)

Great Dane called Kantalar Drop Dead Gorgeous, owned by Helena Laidlaw, of Didcot, won Second Place Limit class (Bitch)

Irish Water Spaniel Killountain Dermott, owned by Stephen and Gillian Lockey, of Didcot, won Second Place Postgraduate class (Dog).