Majestic mutts: Meet the pedigree pooches dressed like Victorian gentry at the Kensington Palace dog show

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Jaunty: Roxy the Rottweiler-Labrador, a former resident at Battersea Dogs' Home shelter, relaxes in the judge's enclosure a boater hat before going on to win her her category


Impeccably-dressed and well-heeled, they strutted around the grounds of Kensington Palace with their noses in the air, preening and posing in all their finery.

However, in what sounds like a regular Saturday afternoon on the affluent streets of the exclusive London borough was actually the canine society event of the year.

The Dashing Dog Show saw four-legged competitors from all over W8 descend on the iconic royal residence, each one hoping to emerge the victor.



Hounded: As Louise Crowley guides her Parson Russell Terrier, Amber, she is hopeful her pooch can win the Best Dressed Victorian on Six Legs' category


Set against the backdrop of the historic Kensington Palace, it was no wonder these pooches took on a posture of regal proportions.

Majestic mutts, pedigree princesses and kings of canines battled it out in seven categories in the event, dubbed 'the original dog and throne show'.


My fair lady: Working Cocker Spaniel, Lottie, poses with her owner, 10-year-old Alicia Favell before the pair make their way to the Best Dressed Victorian on Six Legs category


The event's name is a nod to the Queen Victoria, who spent her childhood at Kensington Palace. The young princes was devoted to her Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Dash, dressing him up and parading him through the grounds.

Today, other dogs had the chance to walk in Dash's pawprints, competing in categories such as Prettiest Princess, Prince Charming, Dash Lookalike and the Dog Queen Victoria Would Most Like To Take Home With Her.


Dandy: Lottie struts in all her finery in the grounds of Kensington Palace


Despite numerous entries for the Best Dressed Victorian On Six Legs - open to hounds and their owners - the title was won by Roxy the Rottweiler-Labrador, a former resident at Battersea Dogs' Home shelter, who boasted a jaunty boater hat.

And Chinese Crested breed Mugley - and title holder of Britain's Ugliest Dog - brought a hip hop 'flava' to the Lovable Rogue category, dressed as the rapper Snoop Dogg.

The pooches were also able to show off their obedience training and game prowess in the Royal Variety Pawformance category.



Snoop Dogg: Chinese Crested breed Mugley - and title holder of Britain's Ugliest Dog - brings a hip hop 'flava' to the show, dressed as the famous rapper


The event, organised by Dogs Today magazine and the Dogs Trust, was held in aid of a £12 million renovation project of Kensington, undertaken by the independent charity Historic Royal Palaces, aims to transform the visitor experience of the Royal residence.

It aims to improve accessibility, introducing new education and community facilities, reconnecting the palace with the surrounding park through new public gardens, and present exciting exhibitions inspired by the palace’s rich past and unique collections.

Major works will begin in June 2010 and are scheduled for completion in June 2012 in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.

source: dailymail