MEET some of four-legged friends from across south Cumbria preparing to compete in the world's most famous dog show.

Thousands of pooches and their owners will be heading to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham for Crufts 2024, which will take place between March 7 and 10.

The show features a wide range of dog competitions, displaying their dogs' skills and abilities to adoring crowds.

Competitors include Joanne Woodhouse, who lives in Barrow, and her Dobermann.

The Mail: Joanne with her Dobermann.Joanne with her Dobermann. (Image: Submitted)This is the third time she and her dog are competing at Crufts.

"It is a fantastic experience from start to finish," Joanne said.

"The first time it won its Breed class, but let's see what happens this year."

Tracy Chapman, who lives in Barrow, is also entering the competition with her two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. 

The Mail: Tracy and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rosie.Tracy and her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rosie. (Image: Submitted)She said: "I can't wait. It is my second time going - it is all very new but very exciting as well."

Anna Blenkarn, who lives in Dalton, is entering her two Whippet puppies with over 350 other Whippets.

This is the second time Anna will take part in the event.

The Mail: Anna with one of her Whippets.Anna with one of her Whippets. (Image: Submitted)"Both boys are first and foremost family pets," she said. 

"This is a special event for me and my family, and I feel privileged to have qualified."

Tom and Jane Graham. from Askam. are entering their two Welsh Springer Spaniels and one Sussex Springer Spaniel. 

The Mail: Jane Graham with Welsh Springer Spaniel MarthaJane Graham with Welsh Springer Spaniel Martha (Image: Submitted)They are no strangers to the event with Tom having attended Crufts for the last 50 years and Jane for 25 years.

"I have shown all over the country and all over the world - I have been doing it for a long time," Mr Graham.

Mathew Kiziuk and his wife, from Ulverston, are entering the competition with their two Maltese dogs. 

The Mail: Mathew's Maltese dogs Pablo and Tauro.Mathew's Maltese dogs Pablo and Tauro. (Image: Submitted)The couple has only recently started attending dog exhibitions, and this will be their first year at Crufts.

Mathew said: "We have a handler coming over from Lithuania to handle one of our dogs, and when he is finished at Crufts, he is going to go and do the Baltic championships across Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, and Estonia and then coming back to the UK."