A JOHNSTONE pooch is putting his best paw forward in a bid to scoop a major prize at this year’s Crufts.

Denise Symon hopes her long-coat chihuahua, named Kevin, can claim the Best of Breed award at the world-famous dog show.

He is up against around 230 other chihuahuas as he competes at the NEC, in Birmingham.

Denise, 50, told The Gazette: “Crufts is the biggest dog show in the world and I think anyone who is interested in the dog world aspires to go there.

“Kevin was a finalist in the Scottish Kennel Club Open Show Dog of the Year and was also a finalist in the Scottish Top Toy Dog of the Year.

“My dogs have been competing at Crufts since I was 12.

“Kevin has been resting up ahead of the big event. Before we head down to Birmingham, we’ll make sure that he’s bathed and all ready to go.

“I am really looking forward to it. I love Crufts, it’s a great chance to shop and meet other people from across the country.”

Thousands of pooches are at Birmingham for the four-day festival, which started yesterday and is organised by The Kennel Club.

Dogs from 220 different breeds are competing for the ultimate prize of Best in Show.

Other Renfrewshire canines also set to take part in the various categories include a Tibetan spaniel, a English springer spaniel, two Norfolk terriers, a French bulldog and a Bracco Italiano.