Do dogs look like their owners?

Mar 9 2007 By Anna Jeys, Birmingham Mail

IT could have been a competition for best look-a-likes rather than best in show at Crufts!

That's because an abundance of dog lovers appear to resembled their prized pooches.

Thousands of dog lovers poured into the NEC yesterday for the first day of the largest dog show in the world.

Liz Waters, from Shrewsbury, has been showing dogs at Crufts for 40 years and has brought Ego, the Irish Water Spaniel, to this year's event.

She said: "Our hair does look a bit similar but I use rain water on Ego's. I don't know if I will win anything but that is down to the judges."

Teenager Rebecca Sparkes was more than happy to sport a look that resembled her beloved canine, Danny. The 17-year-old A-level student, from Aylesbury, said: "People have said I look like Danny before.

"We have even won a few competitions for a dog who looks like their owner. I love Crufts, it's my favourite time of year. It's just so exciting."

Johnny Waller, aged 63, from Rotherham, said he was starting to look like Echo, his Bedlington Terrier.

He said: "We do have the same grey hair. I have kept Bedlington Terriers for 30 years now and last year was the only year I have not been to Crufts.

"They are fantastic friendly dogs and I really enjoy coming to Crufts. It's such an international event now with people coming from all over."

Sharon Alton, aged 24, from London, was at the show to do obedience training with her look-a-like Reiley, the Standard Poodle.

She said: "Somebody just said I look like a poodle. I have been told I look like another type of dog and they don't even have curly hair."