Held at The Royal Highland Showground in Edinburgh the nearby planes taking off from Edinburgh airport did little to deter the dogged determination of the thousands of proud dog owners taking part. This is serious business with much grooming, clipping of fur and filing of claws before stepping foot and paw into the judges’ arena.

In a who’s who of the canine world every conceivable breed was represented and despite the volume of mutts under one roof, most appeared to get along famously with many taking the time to sniff out Abbeyford Leisure’s stand in the relative oasis of the exhibition hall. Once there, owners learned about Abbeyford Leisure’s dog friendly holiday parks and cottages in Fife, the myriad of coastal and forest dog walks and how Abbeyford Leisure is taking the lead on dog-friendly holidays.

72 hours and 28,000 pounding paws later, the top winners were announced as:

Best in Show – Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit)

Best Puppy – West Highland White Terrier

Best Veteran – Alaskan Malamute

Founded in 1881, The Scottish Kennel Club exists to protect and promote the interests and well-being of dogs in Scotland and is the go-to place for learning how to look after, groom and handle your dog and can advise on obedience, agility and working trials too.