The Kennel Club’s Companion Dog Club Competition is set to once again light up Discover Dogs, London’s premier dog extravaganza, but this time in its new home of Earls Court 1.

To celebrate, the Companion Dog Club will have its own ring, and will hold a host of new classes alongside several old favourites, including pedigree dog classes for the first time.

Held on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th November, the competition will see hundreds of dog of all ages, shapes and sizes step into the ring to compete in a series of fun categories. The dogs are split by sex, with the girls taking centre stage on Saturday 14th, and the boys following suit on Sunday 15th. There are now eleven classes to choose from:

Novelty Classes

• Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch – Saturday 14 November
• Handsome Crossbreed Dog – Sunday 15 November
• Most Appealing Eyes – The dog with the brightest, sparkliest, happiest healthy eyes.
• Best Rescue – The canine companion who has had the most successful re-homing experience. Judges will look at the relationship between dog and owner, plus the dog’s general behaviour.
• Waggiest Tail - the dog with the wiggliest, waggiest tail!
• Best Buddies (Child handler under 12) – Where the child and dog are the best of friends. Judges will look at the relationship between dog and child; children may be accompanied by an adult in the ring.

Pedigree Classes, which are open to any breed of pedigree dog:

• Puppy 6-12 months
• Terrier/Hound
• Gundog
• Working/Pastoral
• Toy/Utility

Renowned behaviourists Carolyn Menteith and Annette Conn will take into account the importance of dog training and responsible dog ownership as well as looks, and will judge the entrants on good character, health and temperament across the two days.

Caroline Kisko, Communications Director at the Kennel Club, said: “The Companion Dog Club is the ultimate club for dog lovers, as it doesn’t matter if your dog is a pedigree or a crossbreed. With the Companion Dog Club, all that matters is your extra special dog!

“In the new, bigger arena for 2009, this is sure to be the most hotly contested Companion Dog Club Competition yet.”

To find out more about the Companion Dog Club, please visit the links below.