Crufts is recognized by the Guiness Book of Records as the largest dog show in the world. This week, March 10th - 13th 2005, thousands of dogs, their owners and their trainers will unite to compete for four days at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England. The Crufts Dog Competition culminates with the much sought after best-in-show contest on Sunday.

23,000 dogs from around the world are vying this year to win the coveted title of Best In Show.

More than 700 overseas dogs are registered to participate, the largest number in the event's history.

Who wouldn't vote for this one?

The four-day show is organized by the Kennel Club.

The Kennel Club said there are 28 "native" breeds from the U.K., including two from Wales, that are declining for want of new blood from overseas and a lack of awareness among the public.

Secretary Caroline Kisko said:

There are all these other breeds that are forgotten about and make great pets.

We are trying to promote them to remind people they exist.

We feel dog lovers hold the key to arresting the decline by giving serious thought to owning one of them.

The Welsh terrier is one example.

In 1951, 1959, 1994 and 1998, a Welsh terrier took the coveted Best in Show at Crufts.

The second Welsh breed under threat is the Sealyham terrier.

2004 Best of Show - Deedee

Who will be the winner of the 102nd Crufts Dog Show?

This year, there will be nearly 200 breeds to choose from in selecting the cream of crop. Only one will succeed the 2004 champion.

Last year's champion was a whippet called Deedee.

The last time a whippet won prior to 2004 was in 1992.

Deedee

In 2003, a Pekingese took home the prize.

In 2002, a white Standard Poodle won.

In 2001, a Basenji was "Best of Show."

And in 2000, a Kerry Blue Terrier got the large silver trophy.

Other breeds that have won in years past include: a Welsh Terrier, a Yorkshire Terrier and a Cocker Spaniel.

An Irish Setter won in 1993, 1995 and 1999.

The show is more than just a beauty contest.

New this year is The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award.

The Kennel Club knows just how important all dogs are to society and why they deserve the title of 'Man's Best Friend'. Their web site states that:

Through Crufts this year - with the support of (U.K. pet insurance company) PetPartners plc and the BBC - the Kennel Club will be sharing with viewers to the Crufts BBC programmes, six very special stories illustrating the true heroism of dogs.

For the very first time, viewers will have the opportunity to judge dogs at Crufts by voting for the dog which most deserves the title of 'Kennel Club Hero Dog of the Year'.

Six dogs are vying for this title:

Mandy, a trail hound, who saved her master's life from a fire

Maelea, a seeing-eye-dog, who has brought her 28 year-old master out of depression

Endal, a do-it-all -- even the laundry -- dog, who supports his wheelchair bound Portsmouth, New Hampshire pal, Allen Parton

Tyson, a German Shepherd, who kept his owner, Bob alive for five hours by keeping his unconscious body warm after Bob was mugged by a group of kids on a cold, icy night.

To learn about the two other dogs in contention and to place your vote, go to:

Voting lines are now open.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful "top dog" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King, Rugged Elegant Living publisher