The 22 best pictures from Crufts dog show in Birmingham

More than 26,000 dogs are expected to visit this year

A woman stands with her Lancashire Heeler dog on the third day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England. AFP

Dalmatians are shown on day one of Crufts 2020 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England. Getty

Lloyd the Italian Greyhound/Whippet cross is groomed on his way to Crufts, at Roadchef in Norton Canes, England. AP

A German Spitz awaits competition at Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham, Britain. EPA

A British Bulldog takes a rest on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham, Britain. Reuters

Dalmatians compete in the ring on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham, Britain. Reuters

A Yorkshire Terrier is prepared ahead of being shown at day one of Crufts 2020 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England. r day event. Getty

A Miniature Pinscher is held by its owner on day one of Crufts 2020 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England. Getty

A Standard Poodle jumps after competing on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham, Britain. Reuters

Dogs take part in a gundog competition on the second day of the Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham, Britain. Reuters

Hungarian Vizslas pose for a photo, at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre (NEC) for the second day of the Crufts Dog Show, in Birmingham, England. AP

A Weimaraner is seen wearing a jumpsuit on the second day of the Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham, Britain. Reuters

An Old English Sheepdog is photographed on the third day of the Crufts Dog Show, at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England. AP

A Russian Toy dog waits to enter the venue on the third day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England. AFP

A woman is embraced by her Bearded Collie dog whilst grooming it prior to judging on the third day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. AFP

People arrive with a Great Dane dog on the third day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, central England. AFP

A man is embraced by a Great Dane dog on the third day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, central England. AFP

A woman sits with two Komondor dogs on the third day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, central England. AFP

Old English Sheepdogs are judged on the third day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, central England. AFP

A woman runs with a Great Dane dog as it is judged on the third day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, central England. AFP

A woman grooms her Hungarian Puli dog on the third day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, central England. AFP

A Dogue de Bordeaux rests in its pen on the third day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, central England. AFP

Coronavirus fears did not stop animal lovers flocking to the opening day Thursday of the world's biggest dog show, Crufts – although many were taking precautions.

More than 26,000 dogs and 166,000 fans are expected over the four days of Crufts this year.

The dogs compete in events covering everything from looks to obedience and agility: including flyball, a frantic race through obstacles for a tennis ball.

Events around the world have been cancelled due to the Covid-19 outbreak, which has killed over 3,300 people, including, in Britain, the London Book Fair. There were particular fears for Crufts after a pet dog in Hong Kong was found to be infected with the virus, and quarantined.

But the Kennel Club organisers decided to go ahead, following UK government advice to continue as normal.

"Apparently dogs can get it too," said Corinne Mechoud, 52, who came from Normandy in northern France with Myway, a little German Spitz who she carried in her arms.

"I'm not going to let her walk around," she said, adding that for her own protection, she washes her hands with disinfectant and refrains from greeting anyone with a kiss.

Hand sanitiser gel is available around the competition hall and at each stand, handlers encourage people to use it after petting their animals.

Last year, 3,000 dogs came to Crufts from overseas. Italy was due to send 366 this year, but they may not come as it tackles the worst outbreak in Europe.

"I think attendance may be lightly affected because of those people in high risk groups making decisions not to travel," said Charlotte McNamara, health and welfare manager at the Kennel Club.

But she hopes most people will follow government advice to carry on as normal.

"They said the circumstances remain the same, that people should carry on in everyday life but take precautions, so (I hope) people will continue to come and enjoy it," she said.

A video from day three showing a room full of Golden Retrievers: 

Some major sponsors, including Royal Canin, have however decided not to send staff to the competition, and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers is staying away.

"I think there are less people than usual, because of coronavirus," said Louise Leone, from the US state of Colorado, watching an event featuring Japanese spaniels.

The 69-year-old has been coming to Crufts since the 1980s and did not want to miss this year.

But she admitted she was "a little bit worried" and was wearing a green mask "as a precautionary measure".