In pictures: Crufts Dog Show

1 of 8 More than 23,000 dogs are competing in the 102nd Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

2 of 8 Four days of competition will culminate in the much sought after best-in-show contest on Sunday.

3 of 8 Grooming a Shih Tzu: But the show is more than just a beauty contest.

4 of 8 The cream of almost 200 breeds will be hoping to succeed the 2004 champion, a whippet called Deedee.

5 of 8 A fashion-conscious Afghan hound: Accessories for dogs are all part of the fun.

6 of 8 Dogs and their owners come from across the world to compete in the event, organised by the Kennel Club.

7 of 8 Crufts is recognised by the Guiness Book of Records as the largest dog show in the world.

8 of 8 A relaxation of quarantine laws since 2000 means more than 700 overseas dogs are registered to participate, the largest number in the event's history.