CHAMPION hounds from the Salisbury area strutted their way to silverware at the world’s biggest dog show.

A Catalan sheepdog, a Japanese Shiba Inu and a toy poodle shone at Crufts and now their owners are celebrating their prize pooches.

One of those to take acclaim was 14-month-old black toy poodle Champion Afterglow Aloysius who was named best in breed, beating more than 100 competitors.

Aloysius then went onto to be awarded fourth place in the Utility group, which was eventually won by whippet Collooney Tartan Tease.

Owner Sue Baker, from Ford, said: “We are delighted with his success as he is a very very young dog. He is an amazing character and his movement is fantastic.”

Ms Baker said that Aloysius’s success comes from his breeding, which Ms Baker used a dog from Japan.

The perfect pooch also took part in the Eukanuba Pup Of The Year competition where he ended up runner-up to the winner a border terrier.

Aloysius now lives near Blackpool with his co-owners Tom Isherwood and Jason Lynn who won best in show at Crufts last year with his American cocker spaniel.

The 22-month-old Catalan sheepdog, Kawanna Saint Isabella Rose, otherwise known as Izzy, reached second place in her breed.

Owner Kathleen Caudrelier, from Shrewton, said: “We have done quite well with her we have taken her abroad to international shows and she has got best in breed.

“She loves showing, she thinks the judges are there to give her hugs and love but she struts her stuff when she is in the ring.”

Miss Caudrelier also placed first in the Post Graduate Class with her dog four-year-old Hikays Back To Black, lovingly called Ryuu.

She said that it was the third time Ryuu has shown at Crufts, and placed first in the Special Yearling Class on his debut appearance.

Miss Caudrelier added: “This year we got first in our class and I am really proud.

“He struts his stuff and knows when he is in the ring. He stands up a bit straighter and says look at me.”

Both dogs are co-owned by Miss Caudrelier and mother Andrea and live with their golden retriever Cali.