It's showtime for our four-legged friends.

Crufts is taking place at Birmingham's NEC from March 8 to 11.

Tickets for Crufts 2018 are available from The Ticket Factory website.

Veterinary firm White Cross Vets - which has four practices in the West Midlands, at Bloxwich, Kings Heath, Tividale and Wolverhampton - said it sees an increase in enquiries at this time of year from dog owners caught up in the excitement of Crufts.

Several members of the White Cross Vets team have also competed at the show in recent years.

James Millington from White Cross Vets in Wolverhampton said: "Dog showing is hugely popular and events take place regularly throughout the country.

"There is a wide range of local shows across the Midlands where dog owners can get a taste for it, before setting their sights on Crufts, which is the global pinnacle of dog showing.

“However, dog showing is far from straightforward and champion dogs are developed through a huge amount of hard work, breed-specific knowledge and dedication to the cause."

Dogs arrive for day one of Crufts 2015 at the NEC, Birmingham.
Dogs arrive for day one of Crufts 2015 at the NEC, Birmingham.

With the help of White Cross Vets and the Crufts organisers, we've compiled a list of key points to create a canine champion.

How to win at Crufts

1. Before anyone can show a dog, either at Crufts or anywhere else in the UK, it must be registered with the Kennel Club or have an ‘Authority to Compete’ issued by the Kennel Club.

2. The dogs' health is vitally important and anything that causes the dog discomfort to enhance its appearance must always be avoided.

3. It’s worth remembering certain classes include a veterinary health check, so it’s often worth asking your vet to give the dog an initial check before the show to make sure everything’s in order.

4. Dogs that are spayed or neutered may require a ‘permission to show letter’ from the Kennel Club so it’s worth checking this.

5. Research is key when entering a show and class so it’s essential that you find the most suitable ones for your dog.

6. Once in the show ring, the dog has to perform, which can be a challenging task in itself. There are ‘ringcraft’ classes throughout the country that can help you and your dog to develop the basic skills required.

7. Dogs have to be able to stand still during the judging process and this requires specific training.

8. It’s important that your dog is happy being physically examined, with the judges handling its body and mouth, so try to get them used to this.

9. Dogs are very social and love playing with their pals, so it’s important that your dog is trained to block out all the temptations and distractions in the show ring.

10. Nowadays, excessive grooming is discouraged in many breeds, but generally the dog still needs to be trimmed, clean and brushed so they look their best.

11. Visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk which gives an overview of the breed standards that the judges are looking for. Be honest with yourself, and realistic with your expectations - if your dog is more ugly sister than Cinderella, it might be best to find another hobby.

Lichie the 5 year old German Shorthaired Pointer from Argyle, Scotland, on the first day of Crufts 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.
Lichie the 5 year old German Shorthaired Pointer from Argyle, Scotland, on the first day of Crufts 2015, at the NEC Birmingham.

12. You are advised to arrive at the show between 7am and 8am to avoid traffic and allow time for your dog to settle on the bench.

13. Exhibitors are encouraged to park in the South or East car parks as first choice. Allow an hour to get from car park to your bench in the mornings. There are buses from some of the car parks but a walk can give good exercise for your dog.

14. Make sure you bring a dog bowl and water, grooming brush, blanket for the bench and passes.

15. Never leave your dog alone on the bench.

Crufts 2017: Full list of winners and results from Birmingham's NEC

16. Dogs can be taken for walkies in specific exercise areas filled with wooden chippings. All exhibitors are expected to clear up after their dogs in all areas of the show. Poop scoop bags are available in the halls.

17. A large veterinary team is on site during the show and there is no charge for any emergency treatment. Note that their role is not to administer treatment for pre-existing conditions, but organisers say every patient is well looked after.

Tickets for Crufts 2018 are available from The Ticket Factory website

18. You can groom your dog near to the benching area but make sure that you do not block any walkways. There are also specific areas signposted for breeds that require extra grooming. Be sure that you are aware of the Kennel Club Rules and Regulations on grooming of dogs for show purposes, including clearing up loose fur.

19. For help such as finding your way to the rings, ask the group stewards. They wear green blazers and steward badges and will be on duty in each hall.

20. If you have any queries or problems during the show, Dog Exhibitors’ Enquiries is usually situated in the Organiser’s Office in Hall 3.

21. Exhibitors are not allowed to leave the show until 4pm, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

22. If your dog wins, you will be told by the steward to report to the collecting ring by a specific time. You will have your photograph taken for the Crufts results website. You are allowed to have one extra person in the collecting ring. If you have any other guests, they will be able to watch free of charge on every day except Sunday. If your dog wins Best of Breed on the Sunday, two guests will automatically be issued with two Best In Show tickets.

23. Prize money is not paid at the show - it's sent to winners within 30 days of the event. Best in Show winners receive a replica of the solid silver Keddall Memorial Trophy (named after Robert Keddall, show manager for 30 years) and a cash prize of £100. That may not seem much but any puppies produced by winning dogs can be sold for thousands of pounds.

So who are the most likely winners?

Two year-old Afterglow Miami Ink, handled by owner Jason Lynn from Blackpool, was given the top award by Judge Jeff Horswell at Crufts 2017

Have you ever looked at your dog and wondered if you're in the presence of a potential Crufts Best in Show?

If we look back through the history of the show, we can get an idea of what types of dogs have won the most.

Analysis by Go Compare found dogs aged three or four are in with a good chance. Nineteen winners have won Best in Show in this age range, most of them aged four.

If you own a long-haired cocker spaniel or greyhound (particularly a black one) then you might well have a future Crufts champion on your hands.

Since the competition began all the way back in 1886, the cocker spaniel has won an impressive seven times. The greyhound is the next top breed with five wins, followed by the wire haired fox terrier, Welsh terrier, standard poodle and Irish setter in a multiple joint fourth place.

However, although the cocker reigns supreme overall, it hasn't won in the past 42 years.

Sable coloured dogs are more likely to be champion, followed by black and then white. Long-haired dogs are most successful.

English dogs have won more than those from Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Small dogs have taken the most trophies.