A RECORD number of pampered pooches were aiming to be top dog at the region's biggest canine show yesterday.

The three-day Darlington Dog Society's Championship Dog Show got under way for the 39th time.

The show is being held for the third year at Newby Hall, near Ripon, North Yorkshire, where it secured a three-year contract during redevelopment of its previous home, at South Park, in Darlington.

Thousands of dogs will parade in front of the judges in an effort to win best in show, which will be decided tomorrow.

Yesterday's competition was for hounds, terriers and utility breeds.

Joe and Ellen O'Neill had come all the way from Loch Lomond, in west Scotland, looking to add to their impressive record of success.

Their American Akita, Geilsaven Runnin Riot, comes from a family of winners. He was won of the winners in the Akita classes.

His sister, Geilsaven Somthing Else, won best puppy at Crufts and his grandfather, Louiston Don't Stop the Dance, was a British and Irish champion.

Mrs O'Neill said: "We have been coming for about 13 years. I love it. I think it is brilliant. He is absolutely brilliant. He is a pet first and a show dog second."

Mr O'Neill added: "Akitas are a great breed."

Another winning family were Schnauzer siblings Tickertape Parade and Mississippi Mounshine.

The brother and sister won veteran bitch and veteran dog for Elspeth Kelly, from Essex, who was making her first appearance at the show.

She said: "I've been as far north as Leeds and just fancied coming here. They are fine dogs - very bold and very family-orientated."

As well as the judging, an array of stalls circled round the competition arena.

They included the Kennel Club, which provided good citizenship dog scheme tests, and the Young Kennel Club.

The day was not without mishap. At one point, owners of the Otterhounds were asked to return to their dogs after one escaped its cage.

Today will be the turn of working and pastoral dogs. Tomorrow, gundogs and toy dogs will be on show.

They include a class for the first time for Kooikerhondje, which has been removed from the imported register by the Kennel Club. A total of 14 dogs have been entered.

Spokeswoman Sarah Allsopp said: "We've attracted 8,646 dogs - up on last year."

Admission is £5 adults, £3 children and pensioners, but free for under-fours. Car parking is £5. Visitors should follow the directions off junctions 48 and 49 of the A1.