Day two of Crufts sees the world’s glossiest dogs strutting their stuff – complete with diamante collars, tiaras and leopard print onesies – on the canine catwalk

Thursday saw the world's most famous dog show kick off at Birmingham's NEC, with thousands of dogs – preened to perfection – preparing to strut their stuff and hopefully come 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.  

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 diamnate 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.  

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.

‘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.