Over 3,500 charges and their canine chums flocked to the King's Hall in Belfast at the weekend hoping they would be selected to attend the showpiece competition, Crufts, in Birmingham next year.

While there was plenty of barking, panting and grooming there was also an intense sense of rivalry as competitors battled it out in anticipation their 'best friend' could catch the eye of the internationally acclaimed judges.

Striding confidently into the various show rings and in all shapes and sizes, pedigrees of different breeds contested in the Toy, Terrier, Working, Utility, Hound and Pastoral Groups.

While there was doggy delight for the victors, there was only whining for the losers.

Emma Archibald from Ballymoney had brought her beloved golden retriever, six-month-old Darci, to her first proper competition.

She was hopeful her puppy would benefit from the experience but was also enjoying the opportunity to catch-up with fellow competitors again.

"I have been very fortunate, having been involved with dogs for about fifteen years and I've met a lot of friends both here and in England.

"None of us go into the arena not to win but at the end of the day it's the taking part that counts," she said.

Betty Davis, cuddling her pet dachshund, Harriet, has been showing for 20 years and always makes the annual pilgrimage to Crufts.

Despite Harriet's success in her relatively short career so far, the Lisburn woman was not overly confident.

"It's the junior class today, so I don't expect her to do as well as among the older dogs," she said.

As well as the serious exhibiting, there were also the hugely popular obedience and agility competitions where onlookers marvelled at the four-legged frolics on display.

The Belfast Championship has in the past attracted more than 12,000 visitors from across the UK, the Republic and Europe, with 800 classes being offered and more than 4,000 awards being presented.

President of the Belfast Dog Show Society, Ian Wilson, hailed the show as a "brilliant event".

"Preparation for this year's show started the day after last year's event," he said.

"We have a great team of people that assist in putting the show all together and it's not without the help and support of the normal members as well."

The 2009 Crufts Championships, with an Ulster contingent, takes place in the NEC next spring, from 5-8 March.