Local competitors prove they are top dog at Crufts

Kath Lothian, known for breeding her Border Terriers in Berwickshire, proclaimed herself “delighted” with her results.

Kath is one half of a husband and wife team - her partner Peter handles and prepares the dogs, while Kath exercises them, for about a mile each day, maybe more in the run-up to large events like Crufts.

Their dog Lairehope Topaz Design (known as Jimi) won Very Highly Commended in the Post-Graduate Dog class.

Jimi has been consistently placed in Championship Shows in Scotland and northern England, since he was a puppy.

Meanwhile Lairehope Tiara D’Or (Tess) won Very Highly Commended in the Yearling Bitch class. Tess has just progressed from Junior Class and walked well.

Finally Lairehope Ruby Romance (Ruby) won Very Highly Commended in the Veteran Bitch group.

Ruby previously won Best Border Terrier Puppy at Crufts in March 2009 - which was a highlight of her show career. She hasn’t lost her touch - she was a little star at Crufts on Sunday.

Ruby is now living with Kath’s brother, David, and his wife Maddy in Telford, Shropshire.

Denise Playfair, once of Duns, was also in the enclosure this week. Her Standard Smooth Dachshund bitch, Demorgan Secret, won Best Puppy in Breed on Sunday, beating her litter sister and full cousin.

This success marked Denise’s decision to return to dog showing after 25 years. Demorgan Secret qualified for Crufts at Manchester in January, again taking Best Puppy in Breed.