Final preparations have been put in place ahead of the start of the Crufts show in Birmingham on Thursday.

Dogs and their owners have been taking part in some last-minute training at the NEC Arena.

Health and welfare issues will be at the fore throughout the four-day event, after the show was mired in controversy two years ago.

In 2008, a BBC documentary raised a number or concerns over some breeds of pedigree dogs in the competition.

Puppy farming, status dogs and cross breeding will be examined by presenter Clare Balding with a vet on hand to answer questions when highlights from this year's event are screened on television.

Caroline Kisko, communications director of the Kennel Club, has defended the competition and its commitment to healthy dogs.

"We are very excited about this year's event and demonstrating to our visitors how important dogs are in our lives," she said.

"The Kennel Club's primary concern is the health and welfare of all dogs and it is through important and influential dog shows such as Crufts that we can safeguard the long-term health and welfare of pedigree dogs."

Copyright © Press Association 2010