A RECORD number of spectators and competitors enjoyed a battle of the pooches at Dumfries House.

The estate’s annual fun dog show was taking place with many local four-legged friends winning prizes, including the Best in Show which came from Auchinleck.

Nero, an 18-month-old Newfoundland owned by Gillian, Steven and Neive Bodys, took the honours after impressing the judges enough to earn a double dose of prizes.

He took home a 20kg bag of Pro-giant dog food from Husse while he will have his portrait drawn by Ayr artist John Fisher and presented to the family at Dumfries House next month.

Proceeds from the family-friendly event were donated to Saints Sled Dog Rescue in Glasgow, while a series of fun contests took place including Cutest Dog, Worst Hair Day, Waggiest Tail and Best Sausage Catcher.

After winning the main title, Nero’s owner Gillian said: “We were over the moon when Nero was announced as Best in Show as this is the first dog show we’ve ever entered him into. We live locally and visit the estate to walk Nero every day so it was great to have him take part in this year’s show.

“It was a fantastic event and everyone there had an absolute ball. We’re really lucky that Dumfries House puts on events like this for the local community as they’re great fun.”

Saints Sled Dog Rescue is a nationwide, voluntary run non-profit charity which specialises in helping unwanted and stray Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes through the process of fostering and rehoming.

Dumfries House’s Louise McClounie, who organised the dog show, said: “This is the fourth year we’ve held a dog show and we always strive to make it as fun as possible for the dogs, their owners and all those who come along to watch.

“This year, we decided to donate proceeds from the event to Saints Sled Dog Rescue in Glasgow and were delighted to have more competitors and spectators than ever before.”

Photos: Iain Brown.