Chiquita, owned by Simone Tipler, came second in the prettiest bitch category in the Scruffts competition – Crufts for crossbreeds.

"It was really brilliant.

"We had a really, really nice time," said Simone, of Jarvis Lane, Steyning.

"She did so well. she really trotted around the ring like she was showing off."

Earls Court

Scruffts was held at Earls Court on Sunday, October 12.

"There are not many competitions you can enter when you've got a crossbreed," said Simone.

"It was nice just to be able to take Chiquita to Earls Court and walk around, because, obviously, all the other dogs on show are pedigrees."

Milo, a three-year-old Labrador collie cross, whose owner, Sharon Smith, runs the Handsome Hounds dog groomers in Upper Beeding, also reached a final, in the child's best friend category.

Scruffts

Milo was handled by Sharon's daughter, eight-year-old Charlie, for the competition.

Scruffts, part of the Kennel Club's Discover Dogs weekend, has four categories: most handsome crossbreed dog, prettiest crossbreed bitch, child's best friend and golden oldie crossbreed.

Fifteen dogs competed in each category, before the four winners battled it out to become Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year 2008.

The overall winner was Jaffa, with his owner Lindsey Truss, from Hainault, Essex.

"It was really great to get the second in class rosette in the prettiest bitch category," said Simone.

"I'd give it a go again next year."

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