A Brighton dog owner surpassed her own expectations by earning a Best of Breed prize at Crufts.

Susie Reynolds admitted she had no thoughts of winning with 12-year-old Eurasier alongside Stacey Watkins ahead of the world’s greatest dog show in Birmingham.

But Eurasier defied her age to impress the judges and take home first place, and qualification for the Best in Group showpiece in the main arena.

“It feels exciting,” said Reynolds. “It’s not my first time but she is 12 years old so it is very unexpected.

“I didn’t expect it because a lot of judges look for a bit more youth, but we were here on Thursday and got fourth in the breeders group so thought we would do okay.

“I have been coming to Crufts since 1980 but have only had this breed for 12 years.” 

The overall prize went to four-year-old Lagotto Romagnolo Orca and owners Javier Gonzalez Mendikote and Ante Lucin. 

The trio travelled for 25 hours from Croatia to Birmingham in order to compete, but the long journey was more than worth it after taking home the ultimate accolade. 

“It was always a dream and today it has come true,” said Gonzalez Mendikote. 

“Winning the group on the first day you have a lot of time to think, but when we entered we thought it could be the last time to win Best in Show so we thought let’s enjoy it. 

“It’s amazing you can’t ask for more,” added Lucin. “She is a natural talent, she loves it so much. 

“When she enters the ring, you can see she really loves it and that’s the reason why she has always done well.

“This is the most beautiful ending that we could ever imagine.” 

And elsewhere there was an extra sprinkling of star quality on the famous green carpet, as The Real Thing frontman Chris Amoo became a firm fans’ favourite with Irish Wolfhound Paris as they earned Best in Group in the Hound group.

“It means everything,” said Amoo. “It's the greatest dog show in the world and just to be able to win a group here is, beyond most people's dreams, so it's fantastic. 

“Most people are aware of my musical background, I remember our first dog show, I think we were number five in the charts, so they must know by now. 

“The crowd reaction was lovely, it gets him going. That's the thing, when he hears all the people clapping and shouting, he puts his head up and he just wants to go, it’s great.”