Crufts Dog Show: Head and tail above the rest

Chin up, chest out: A dog owner coaxes her cocker spaniel into position on the first day of Crufts. The dog show, held in Birmingham, is the biggest in the world, and an institution for owners and breeders. People travel from all over the world to take part in the four-day event. This year, around 18,000 dogs were registered to compete.

It's cold in Birmingham, but that's not the only reason these dogs arrived dressed in woolly hats and coats. The dogs' owners have lovingly bathed, brushed and blow-dried their animals' fur for the show, and they don't want the weather to ruin it.

Two long-haired toy poodles wait to make their entrance on the first day of Crufts. The main event wasn't until Sunday, when the judges awarded the coveted title of Best in Show.

Alfie, a Bergamasco shepherd, is flying high over these training jumps. Crufts is organized by the British Kennel Club, and dogs are judged in a number of different categories. They are assessed for obedience and skill, as well as beauty and breeding.

Echo, an English cocker spaniel, sports a shiny red cloak that wouldn't look out of place on the victors' podium. This year, the first day of Crufts was dedicated to hunting dogs. Utility, working and pastoral dogs were also be judged in later events.

This Coton de Tulear, also known as the "Royal Dog of Madagascar," is given a treat by its owner shortly before it is shown in the arena of the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

Groomed and styled: Daniel, an American cocker spaniel, is seen here having his hair combed and smoothed before his appearance. His owner has also dressed up for the occasion.

The dog show was established in London in 1891 by Charles Cruft. Every year since then, thousands of spectators have watched dogs compete in a variety of presentations and competitions. Here, a juror evaluates the performances of four dachshunds.

Every year, there are complaints from animal rights activists about the Crufts Dog Show. They warn that overbreeding causes problems for animals — respiratory issues, for example. Crufts insists that it only promotes the breeding of healthy dogs.