The canine competition at the Royal Cornwall Show has been promoted to Premier Open Show status for the first time giving exhibitors the opportunity to qualify for Crufts.

In all 56 dogs competing at Wadebridge between June 6 and 8 will qualify for the Kennel Club’s prestigious flagship event to be held during March 2020.

Dogs are divided into seven groups; Pastoral, Working, Hounds, Gundogs, Toys, Utility and Terrier. The top four dogs and four puppies in each group will secure a coveted Crufts qualification.

The ability to obtain a Premier Open Dog Show licence came on the condition that more breeds of dog were accommodated and existing breeds will have two classes instead of one.

In response, classes have been expanded to include Belgian Shepherd Dogs – Malinois; Bouvier des Flanders; Dogues de Bordeaux; Bedlington Terriers; Cesky Terriers; Dandie Dinmont Terriers; Jack Russell Terriers; Greyhounds; Gordon Setters and Clumber Spaniels.

Online entries close on April 21. Full entry information can be found by visiting: www.royalcornwallshow.org/competitors/dogs.