Pampered pooches will be flying the flag for Renfrewshire at the world’s greatest dog show this week.

Among those leading the way at Crufts will be chihuahuas Charlotte and Kevin, accompanied by their owner Denise Symon, from Johnstone.

Charlotte is part of the Scottish Inter-Regional Obedience Team competing in Birmingham, while Kevin will be aiming to impress in the breed class.

Denise, who runs Paisley-based St Mirin Dog Training, is particularly keen to see how Charlotte performs as part of the Scottish team.

She told The Gazette: “It’s a busy time but I’m really looking forward to taking part.

“We’ve worked really hard on the rally side of things.

“We have been to team training, we’ve been doing team sessions since October or November last year, so we’ve been working quite hard at that.

“It would be nice if she goes into the ring and does all that she’s asked to do.”

Also heading to Crufts are Paisley woman Jan MacDonald and her four-legged friend Leon, who is a Black Great Dane.

Jan has been attending Crufts for around two decades and, last year, Leon won his class in his debut appearance there.

“I’m looking forward to it but Crufts is a bit of a nightmare, to be fair, just because it’s so busy,” said Jan.

“I’m hoping Leon will at least get in the top five within his class. Fingers crossed.”

Scott McCormick, from Kilbarchan, will also be representing Renfrewshire at Crufts and is hoping his flat-coated retriever Fleet will impress the judges.

He said taking part in the event is an exciting time.

“It’s a big thing,” added Scott. “There’s been a lot of preparation.”

The Gazette: Kilbarchan pooch Fleet (left) and Jan MacDonald with her much-loved pet LeonKilbarchan pooch Fleet (left) and Jan MacDonald with her much-loved pet Leon (Image: Sourced)

Organised and hosted by The Kennel Club, Crufts is being held at the NEC in Birmingham, starting tomorrow and continuing until Sunday.

More than 20,000 dogs from across the globe will compete for a number of prizes, including the coveted title of Best in Show.

Other prizes up for grabs include Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year and The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award.

A spokesperson for The Kennel Club said: “Visitors can also meet more than 200 different breeds at the Discover Dogs booths and learn more about what makes each of these dogs unique.”

For more information, visit https://crufts.org.uk.