CRUFTS – the world’s biggest dog show – is back in Birmingham with a bite.

Organisers are expecting more than 140,000 visitors, and as many of the four-legged variety, to attend the event at the NEC ahead of Sunday’s finale.

And many owners at the show yesterday were doppelgangers of their doggies with several uncanny resemblances spotted among the hordes.

Floppy-haired Joe Baker, aged 13, who was with his two-year-old Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Gunner, was hoping to impress.

His civil servant dad Mark, aged 44, from Melksham, Wiltshire, said: “They are similar, they’ve both got long hair.

“Gunner is a poser. He’s hardworking, demanding and affectionate.”

Dog trainer Diane Stewart-Ritchie, from County Armagh, Northern Ireland, was with her three-year-old champion Irish Setter, called Fergus.

Ms Stewart-Ritchie said: “It’s a coincidence we look similar. We have the same red hair. Fergus is a fun-loving and affectionate pet who is good with the family.

“He became a champion quite early in his career.”