A HAYES dog owner and Hugo, an eight-year-old otterhound, proved every dog does have its day after walking away with a top prize at Crufts.

Hugo was one of more than 21,500 happy, healthy dogs at the NEC in Birmingham for the world’s biggest dog show, presented by the Kennel Club, and put his best paw forward to claim a prestigious Best of Breed award at the weekend.

Owner Rae Ganna, of Charville Lane, and Hugo fought off competition from a host of other Otterhounds to scoop the coveted prize.

Mrs Ganna was left beaming with pride at Hugo’s performance in front of crowds at the annual competition.

“This is Hugo’s third best in breed, it’s just as special, it’s always special isn’t it? It’s just the best show in the world,” she said.

“It’s fantastic at Crufts. I’ve been coming for 14 years since I had my first otterhound.

“We do Discovery Dogs here, as well, with Hugo and he loves it. He is so great with everyone. People go up to him and are drawn to him. He has been all over Europe. He won the French title, he’s been in Belgium.

“I have ten more otterhounds at home. We live on a farm, though, so it’s fine, if a little hectic. I’ve always loved dogs.”

This year’s Crufts attracted dog lovers from all walks of life, with 45 overseas countries represented throughout the four-day show .

A number of celebrities also dropped by to sample the 122-year-old competition, including TV personality Amanda Holden, former EastEnders actress Pam St Clement and Olympic long jump gold medallist Greg Rutherford.