A Bridgend dog owner wants to shine a light on the beauty of a dying breed when she takes to the famous green carpet at Crufts next week.

Anna Challenger, 38, became enamoured with Welsh breed Sealyham Terriers – currently included in the vulnerable native breeds list – just four years ago and credits her ever present interest to the warmth and wholeheartedness shown by the community.

Bobbi Dazzler and Coco, both of whom turn two on February 15, have been front and centre for Challenger in recent times.

“I want to show everyone how amazing these dogs are - that’s why I compete,” Challenger said.

“It’s just lovely to show the breed off and get more recognition for them.

“As they’re Welsh, I am feeling very patriotic.”

Showing life became an instant hit with Challenger, who attended her first Crufts in 2020 before embarking on the new chapter in her life during lockdown.

“I absolutely fell in love with this little white Welsh breed. Obviously being Welsh and never hearing of them before was a big instigator with me,” she added.

“I’ve gone from never grooming a dog before to using lockdown productively to learn how to hand strip and present for shows.”

Crufts is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners.

The world's biggest dog show recognises the varied roles that dogs play in society and highlights the many different disciplines and activities for dogs and owners.

Challenger attributes her new-found admiration for the dogs to the Sealyham community who have embraced her with open arms.

“I’ve had the most amazing welcome from the Sealyham community and I’ve been supported at every turn, with clubs and other show-goers,” she added.

“Everybody is willing to pass on their knowledge, it’s a lovely community.

“My whole life now revolves around these three beautiful little babies that I’ve got.

“More importantly, it’s opened my eyes to just how much love there is in the whole show world and how well these dogs are cared for and looked after.

“Sometimes you can have a negative light shone on things you don’t understand until you experience it yourself.”

Despite Bobbi and Coco taking home first junior dog and bitch respectively, Crufts isn’t all about winning for Challenger and her dogs.

“They’ve stolen my heart and opened so many doors to me,” she added in a light-hearted tone.

“My dogs are definitely pets first - they live the high life.

“The showing is just something extra that we can all enjoy together.

“As they say, bring home the best dogs!”

Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners. Crufts is held from 7-10 March 2024 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4, and for further information and tickets visit: http://crufts.org.uk