MORE than 8,000 pedigree dogs of all shapes and sizes have booked their places at the Three Counties Championship Dog Show next week.

The four-day event starts on Monday (June 10) with judging starting at 9am every morning in groups including gun dogs, terriers and working dogs, culminating with a "Best In Show" award on the Thursday afternoon.

Dogs that have not been entered are not allowed into the arena, but entry for humans is free, with 45 different trade stands selling everything the discerning dog-lover could desire.

Organiser Doreen Smillie said that although the animals themselves cannot be bought at the event, anyone interested in the possibility of purchasing a pedigree pooch should attend.

"For people looking to buy a pet, it's the place to come to speak to the breeders and experts," she said, "If they are having a litter, you could perhaps book a puppy."