A little dog is getting ready for the biggest challenge of his life today.

Mike, a Basset Griffon Vendeen (Petit) from Wallingford, Oxfordshire won the Hound Group title at Crufts 2019 today , qualifying him for a place in the Best in Show final today.

Mike (Ch Soletrader Magic Mike), three, will return to the Resorts World Arena at the NEC in Birmingham for a place at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, with his owner and handler, Sara Robertson.

He is following in his mother, Jilly's footsteps after she won Best in Show at Crufts in 2013, handled by Sara’s husband Gavin.

People around Britain and the world will be watching to see which dog is crowned Best in Show on Sunday as the final is shown live on Channel 4 and streamed on the official Crufts YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/crufts.

Almost 21,000 dogs are competing over the four days for one of just seven places in the Crufts final and a chance to win the most celebrated title in the world of dogs.

Proud owner Sara said: “I'm so emotional. I just can't believe it - I didn't expect to win. This is a whirlwind!

"It's been a fantastic year. Mike is Jilly's son and it's so unbelievable to have won this again!"

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We were delighted to see Mike chosen as the Best in Group winner today, he is such a lovely dog that clearly loves being in the show ring, and has a great relationship with his handler.

“Reaching the Best in Show final at Crufts is a fabulous achievement for any dog, and we wish Mike the very best for the final tomorrow.

“It’s day three of four and the final is looking very exciting. We want to wish Mike and Sara the best of luck in the ring – we are sure that all of Wallingford will be tuning in to Channel 4 to cheer them on.”