MORE than 130 of Oxfordshire’s dog lovers returned from the Crufts dog show this week.

Some are empty handed, but others have been rewarded for their best friend’s abilities.

Crufts, which has been taking place for more than 100 years, was held at the Birmingham NEC last weekend.

Stephanie Austin, 65, from Ardley, began going to dog shows after retiring from her job as a headteacher in London. This year she took her two Border Collies Dior and Gucci to Crufts.

They did not win, but she said: “There is nothing else like Crufts in the world. You are up all night before getting ready for it and any prize you get is absolutely fantastic.

“The dogs have got to want to be there, they have got to want to show off.

“I don’t think you can do it if you haven’t got a special bond with your dog.”

Marlene Carter from Stadhampton, took four of her poodles, Eli, Truly, Dash and James, to Crufts.

She said: “They are not just show dogs. They are loved pets first and foremost and I am very attached to them.”

A total of 135 dogs from Oxfordshire took part in this year’s event, ranging from Lancashire Heelers and Dobermanns to Papillons and Chihuahuas.

This year’s Best in Show prize was awarded to a Lhasa Aspo from Coventry called Elizabeth after more than 21,000 dogs from around the world battled it out.

Some local dog owners enjoyed a taste of success.

Diana Brown’s beagle Rowan won reserve best bitch in Beagles and limit class in Beagles.

The South Leigh resident said: “I have been going to Crufts since I began breeding dogs more than 50 years ago and I always enjoy it, win or lose.

“Rowan was absolutely thrilled to have won. She stormed around the ring when she heard all the clapping. I was very proud of her.

“I go to dog shows most weekends of the year and nobody asks how you did at anything other than Crufts. It never gets boring.”

The show, which is organised by The Kennel Club, is named after its founder, Charles Cruft, a dog biscuit manufacturer.