Doggy delights at Norfolk Showground for August bank holiday

All About Dogs Show at the Royal Norfolk Showground, Costessey. Photo : Steve Adams (Image: Copyright Steve Adams)

With around 15,000 coming through its gates it has everything from agility courses to swimming and steeplechasing.

Eileen Kent, 38 of Costessey, brought her Staffie cross, Rex.

'He is a rescue dog and we got him last September after we lost our last dog of 16 years, which was a pure bred,' she said. 'We needed a companion because we missed our old dog.

'We decided right then getting a new dog and we went to Hillside. We took one look and him and that was it - he was coming home.

'This is just to socialise and get him used to other dogs. We are trying to teach him not to get distracted and be socially acceptable.

'We thought about entering him in the agility but we think he would probably rather sit and watch and pick up a few tips for training.'

Anthony Phillips, 50, of Rushton, came with two Old English bull mastiffs, which he calls 'a dying breed'.

Axle is four and King is eight months old.

'We have always had bull mastiffs,' he said. 'They are brilliant, beautiful dogs, with a great temperament and no bother whatsoever.

'This is the third time we have been to this event. We love it and it is great to see all the different dogs. It is great for them all to socialise.'

Sue Woolnaugh, 59, of Lowestoft, brought German Shepherds Keira and Kenzie, who are stepsisters.

She has had a Geerman Shepherd since she was a child.

'I have had them all my life - since I was two years old,' she said. 'I have been here a few times and it is a good day out with lots to see and do.

'It is just a fun family event, with all breeds, all ages and all temperaments. It is not just dogs, we saw someone come over with a ferret earlier.'

Director Pam Upson, who only has one dog - a boxer - said the show took life just though her own 'passion and love' for dogs.

'It has just got bigger and bigger each year,' she said. 'It is a fantastic event.'

She stressed All About Dogs is just a fun event, and is in no way about competition or elitism.

'There are lots of championship shows for the professional dog handler - this is really for people who have got a pet dog and want it to join in some fun activities,' she said.

For more information visit allaboutdogshow.co.uk.