A Builth Wells butcher is hoping his pet pooch will be best in show as he takes his corgi to Crufts next week.

Rhys Field, a 30-year-old butcher from Builth Wells, will take his corgi, Dotty, to the world-renowned dog show after realising her “unique” star quality.

The tournament will see the pair travel more than 100 miles from their home in Powys to the NEC Birmingham, where Rhys says he is not going in with high expectations but is still excited regardless.

He said: “It’s just about learning really. It’s about taking everything in and taking everything in your stride.

“Dotty is such a character. I’d say she’s a little bit demanding, because if you’re not giving her attention she’s like ‘come on’ and she’ll talk to you and look at you. She just chops away and she’s unusual and she’s different. Unique is what I’d say.”

Crufts, the world's biggest dog show, recognises the varied roles that dogs play in society and highlights the many different disciplines and activities for dogs and owners.

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The journey to Crufts began with the young pub clinching a victory at a competition in nearby Caerwnon Park.

He added: “My grandfather got me into it, basically. His first ever dog was a corgi and he’s from Cardiganshire.

“He’s from a farming background and he actually grew up with them and they worked the cattle and sheep, so I got involved with it that way.

“Dotty nowadays gets picked up by my mum and they take her up to the farm. She’s got a bit of a free rein there. We are hoping to work her with cattle eventually. That’s the long-term plan.

“Away from the field she’s had a massive impact. Before, I probably wouldn’t be out and about. I’d just be at home, lying around in the evening doing nothing. Now I’m on the move all the time.”

  • Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners. Crufts is held from 7-10 March 2024 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4, and for further information and tickets visit: http://crufts.org.uk