It's a common thought that dogs mirror their owner's appearance, and attendees at Crufts today may provide further evidence.
The world's most famous dog show kicked off at Birmingham's NEC today, with thousands of dogs – preened to perfection – preparing to strut their stuff with the hopes of coming away with a rosette.
Founded by Charles Cruft in the late 19th century and held annually in the Midlands city, Crufts culminates on Sunday with the coveted Best in Show prize.
Today's event saw plenty of owners who had styled their adorable pet pooches similarly to themselves, with their flawlessly groomed appearances, stylish accessories, and glossy locks.
One owner prepared her sweet Shih Tau's luscious locks similarly to hers in a neat fashion.
The same was true for a Standard Poodle, who patiently waited as its owner pampered it to perfection and even tied its hair up in a similar ponytail to hers.
Meanwhile, a different owner lovingly gazed at her canine, whose hair she had cut in a similar wolf cut to the style she was donning.
Another owner channelled his sweet little Border Terrier at the event by donning Scottish tweed, which originates from the same country as the intelligent dog breed.
With their perfectly straightened locks and preened appearances, some dogs at Crufts resembled their owners at the Birmingham-based event today
The second day of action saw owners and their pets arriving as the sun came up, with many dogs dressed for the cooler spring weather and, to save their legs for the long day ahead, being pushed along in doggy carriers.
There was plenty of colourful ensembles to be spied – with an array of eye-catching ‘fur-styles' – including tiaras, bulldog clips and ponytails on display.
And there were also diamanté collars, onesies in a rainbow of colours, and plenty of leopard print on the Standard Poodles, Chihuahuas and Dalmatians arriving for their big moment.
Amongst the four-legged attendees arriving this morning for ‘toy and utility' day, there was a quintet of whippets, sporting the colours of Ukraine and stylish boucle coats.
A grey poodle named ‘Drama' brought the…drama, with an eye-catching double pony. And a trio of Italian Greyhounds looked molto chic in matching leopard print jackets.
Elsewhere, pet owners were spotted armed with scissors and products, offering their pooches a final trim or spritz before going in front of the judges.
One owner channeled his Border Terrier by wearing Scottish tweed today, which originates from the same country as the dog breed
Another owner groomed her Standard Poodle to perfection on the second day of the Crufts dog show
A Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier had its tresses styled in a similarly stylish fashion to its owner today
A Standard Poodle looked majestic as it arrived with its owner on the second day of Crufts 2025
Crufts brings more than 150,000 to Birmingham's NEC, with almost 9 million set to tune in and watch on telly; the programme is airing in the UK on Channel 4.
Yesterday saw gundogs take the stage to compete, with points awarded in different categories – YKC Agility Dog of the Year, Vulnerable Breeds Competition and Gamekeepers Competition – for agility, flyball, heelwork and displays.
The packed daily programme runs from 8:30am in the morning until after dark, with highlights today set to include Agility singles finals, freestyle heelwork to music, vulnerable breeds final, and the group judging for utility and toy.
On Thursday, a six-year-old schoolboy made history when he became Crufts' youngest entrant.
Freddie Osborne and his smooth fox terrier Penny competed alongside adults after qualifying for the world-famous dog show for the first time last year.
Adorable photos show how the pair have been inseparable since the day Freddie was born with Penny always faithfully by his side.
The youngster was given special permission to take the day off school so he could compete at Birmingham's NEC on Thursday.
Freddie, from Bobbington, Staffordshire, said: ‘I love dog shows and I love Penny because she's not just my dog, she's my best friend.
Pictured: Chinese Crested dogs in preparation for judging on the second day of Crufts 2025
A woman gave her adorable pooch a peck for good luck before judging took place at the National Exhibition Centre
A woman carried her pet pooch to save its legs before the big competition took place today
In the pink: A Miniature Poodle wearing a tiara arrives on the second day of the Crufts dog show at Birmingham's NEC – around 150,000 spectators will watch the show, which ends with Best in Show on Sunday
If the cap fits: This poodle, named ‘Drama' sported an eye-catching furstyle as the doggy arrived at the NEC
‘I am really looking forward to being with her in the arena.
‘At home she likes to lick you, sit on your lap and cuddles. I like going for walks with her as they are fun and gets you fresh air.
‘But I like doing the dog shows and getting prizes and rosettes.'
His mother Kimberley, 34, added: ‘He was only two weeks old when he first came to Crufts with us and he has been going ever since.
‘He's always helped us with our dogs but this will be the first time he has competed there.'
Freddie was just five when he and Penny qualified for Crufts at the Birmingham National.
He will have friends, family and fellow terrier owners cheering him on when he enters the arena at 1pm.
Veteran dog show judges Caroline Friend-Rees and Zena Thorn Andrews have also been providing feedback ahead of his big day.
Co-ords: An owner and her Dalmatian wear bright orange ensembles as they arrive at the NEC on Friday morning
As the competition got under way, Dalmatians were escorted by their owners onto the floor
An owner made last minute preparation before judges observed her sweet Bulldog at the NEC today
Never too late: An owner takes the grooming scissors to a Bichon Frise ahead of day two
Molto chic! A trio of Italian Greyhounds were spotted wearing matching leopard print onesies
A little houndstooth? This diminutive doggy sported a stylish jumper as they were wheeled into the arena
A pair of Dalmatians enjoy an Abbey Road moment as they make their way to the competition venue
Today will see utility and toy breeds on display, with highlights set to include Agility singles finals, freestyle heelwork to music and the vulnerable breeds final
Freddie Osborne, six, and his smooth fox terrier Penny, competed alongside adults on Thursday after qualifying for the world-famous dog show
Kimberly added: ‘He was given some great advice by veteran judges and best in class winners this weekend.
‘He was also taught the right etiquette needed to impress the judges at Crufts.
‘However, we went to the Fox Terrier Show in South Wales this weekend and it really was the perfect final preparations for Crufts.
‘He has got his game face on and Penny looks better than she ever has before.'
The Osbourne family breed smooth fox terriers under the kennel name Forgevale and are in partnership with Margaret Hughes from Ledbury, Herefordshire.
Kimberly said: ‘Sadly, they are on the native vulnerable breed list and endangered.
‘In the 1930s smooth fox terriers were classed as one of the most popular dogs but now they are endangered.
‘But they are so loving as a breed and really good with children so we really want to highlight that.'
