CHAMPION hounds from Fordingbridge, Ringwood and Verwood have returned from the world’s biggest dog show – Crufts – with a collection of silverware.

A dachshund, Dalmation, a whippet, a shar-pei and a retriever shone in the premier dog ring and now their owners are celebrating their prize pooches.

Miniature long-haired dachshund Hendrix (Willowheath Hendrix) won the veteran dog class.

The seven-year-old, which is owned by Penny and Dave Young who live in Fordingbridge, has been shown at Crufts since he was a puppy. Last year he picked up best of breed.

Penny said: “We are thrilled to bits to win the veteran dog and he still shows like a two-year-old and goes around the ring very well. It is an honour to show at Crufts.

“We are very pleased and lucky to own such a lovely dog.”

Aggie (Duchess of Mohave at Castletop) the e i g h t - m o n t h - o l d Dalmation, right, beat thousands on her journey to reach second place in the Minor Puppy Class at Crufts.

Speaking after the show, her owner Sue Thorne said: “I have had Dalmations since 1977 and I love the breed.

They are such unique individuals and love people. I have shown dogs at Crufts for the last four or five years, including Aggie’s father, her granny and half sister.

“I just wanted Aggie to enjoy the day, as it was her first time, and I am so proud of her.”

Heather Gibson, of Verwood, placed fifth with her dog Caoimhe (Camusmor Any Dream Uldo for Erkiachen) in the nova scotia duck tolling retriever veteran bitch category.

This will be the nineyear- old dog’s final appearance at Crufts. She has previously won best bitch twice.

Heather said: “I was quite pleased as she has got a few health issues. This is her last Crufts so I am pleased she got placed. She was not at her best. She has had a good show career and can retire and enjoy life.”

It was another successful weekend for Verwood couple Barry and Carole Bull, and their shar-peis.

Eight-year-old Casper (Starferry Shanghai Style) came third in the veteran class.

Mr Bull said: “It is always great to get a place at Crufts.

I was disappointed as I thought he could have done better. But I was very pleased he made the cut.”

Bebe (Starferry Beyond Belief) was fourth in the post graduate bitch class.

Gillian Sandford from Verwood was exceptionally proud that her 18-month old whippet Liam was shortlisted in the prestigious event.

Crufts was set up in 1891 by the late Charles Cruft.

Although it was a very different event in Mr Cruft was a great showman and it is believed he would have enjoyed the size and scope of the event today, which has become an essential date in any dog lover’s calendar.