First look at 2024 Crufts sees a stylish poodle perform a stunning leap as the dogs prepare for the competition in Birmingham

When the first dogs were photographed for the 2024 Crufts competition in Birmingham, they proved that the standard for dog competition is as high as ever.

Owners and pets from around the world will compete in categories such as agility and obedience from Thursday, with the world-class Best In Show title awarded on Sunday.

Crufts, which has been held since 1891 and is currently organized by The Kennel Club, is considered the most prestigious dog competition in the world.

This year’s pampered puppies include Dougal – an adorable 10-year-old Yorkshire Terrier and member of the Good Citizen show team, who looked incredibly cute as he posed among the spring daffodils during the photocall at the National Exhibition Center.

Dougal looked tiny as he posed with Irish Wolfhound Killoughery Rockefella, two, as the pair made an adorable big and small duo, with Dougal managing to stand between his legs.

And poodle Ruben put on a stunning show as he jumped over a bar, putting on a display of impressive agility.

The arrivals are just some of the more than 24,000 dogs heading to Birmingham ahead of this year’s competition.

The show is traditionally split into four main categories: hunting dog, working and pastoral, terrier and hunting dog, and utility and toy.

When the competition began in 1891, it was founded by Charles Cruft, a dog biscuit seller.

Mr Cruft had had previous experience of dog shows, having been involved in the dog division at the 1889 Paris Exhibition.

Big and small! Dougal, a ten-year-old Yorkshire terrier, looked small as he stood next to two-year-old Irish wolfhound Killoughery Rockefella

Dougal put on an adorable performance as he posed next to spring daffodils at the NEC Arena in Birmingham

Dougal showed the fierce competition is fiercer than ever this year as he posed for photos during the photocall

Owners and pets from around the world will compete in categories such as agility and obedience. Pictured: part of this year’s line-up

Perfect Poodle: Ruben made the jump easy and made it effortless

The five-year-old dog was present at the launch of this year’s competition before it started on Thursday

When he brought the show to Britain two years later at the Albert Hall in Islington, it was considered a resounding success.

After 2,500 entries were received, interest in the competition among the general public was evident.

Dog lover Queen Victoria even entered her puppies in several categories, with the royal dogs taking home three prizes.

For more than a century, Crufts has been the most prestigious dog competition in the world.

This year the competition starts on Thursday, March 7 and ends on Mother’s Day, Sunday, March 10.

Little Dougal made a good pair with his new friend Killoughery Rockefella

The stylish dogs will compete in the most prestigious dog competition in the world