A round of 'a-paws' goes to Gloria and Libby who walked away with top prizes at the country's leading dog show.

The beautiful Dogue de Bordeaux won the Best in Breed winner at Crufts 2023 which is taking place at the NEC Birmingham.

Owner Kay Strong accompanied her pet to the show, with Gloria winning the top prize.

Nine-year-old Libby, a Cardigan Welsh Corgi, owned by Tracy Irving from Bolton, won the grand final of The Kennel Club Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition at Crufts.

The Bolton News: Kay Strong and Gloria Kay Strong and Gloria

The Kennel Club Vulnerable British and Irish Breeds competition helps raise awareness of rare native breeds whose annual puppy registrations stand at fewer than 300, thus leaving them at risk of disappearing from the UK’s streets and parks.

There are two types of Welsh Corgi - the Pembroke and the Cardigan, and the latter is thought to be the older of the two, having traditionally been used as heelers, driving cattle by day and guarding them at night. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi have always been on The Kennel Club Vulnerable breed list.

There were just 201 Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies registered with The Kennel Club in 2022.

Owner Tracy said: “It is a major win. The breed coming back into popularity but hopefully, this will encourage it a bit more.

“I was gobsmacked when it was announced that I had won! It is my first time winning the overall Vulnerable Breeds prize and it is absolutely amazing, particularly for the breed, I am really pleased. Libby is absolutely amazing, she is a legend.

“The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is a big dog on little legs, they have got such a big attitude and personality!

“It is amazing to compete at Crufts, I have been doing it since I was small, and I love it!”

The Bolton News: Libby with Tracy Irving in Crufts 2023Libby with Tracy Irving in Crufts 2023

Vanessa McAlpine, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Congratulations to Libby and her owner on this fantastic achievement. We are very thankful to everyone who has qualified for this competition for their dedication and passion for their breeds; their commitment is a true testament to their hard work ensuring that these vulnerable British and Irish breeds continue to be a part of our society.”

Today is the last day of the show.

Organised by The Kennel Club, Crufts is billed as the greatest dog event in the world and celebrates every aspect of the role that dogs play in people's lives.

More than 24,000 dogs headed to the NEC in Birmingham for the long weekend of celebrating dogs of all shapes and sizes.

Pedigree dogs from all over the globe competed.

The number of breeds competing continues to grow.