Best in snow! Crufts hopefuls arrive for the first day of 2023 competition in Birmingham

A host of absolutely fur-bulous dogs have arrived at Birmingham NEC for the first day of the 2023 Crufts competition.

Thousands of competitors from around the world – and their indulgent owners – are gathering at the UK’s second city for the start of the four-day meet. 

The pampered pooches looked ready to show off their skills as they arrived in elaborate ensembles – including leopard print onesies, dinosaur-themed coats and colourful umbrellas.

Making a statement, another dog refused to let the bad weather dampen their spirits and donned a bright yellow raincoat ahead of the competition, organised by The Kennel Club.

The pets will compete in agility and obedience tests over the next four days with one pooch being awarded the prestigious Best In Show on Sunday. 

Visitors, exhibitors and their dogs arrive in snow showers for the first day of Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham

Several of the dogs were sporting elaborate outfits – like these red jackets, which look smart and keep the animals warm in the cold March weather

The pampered pooches looked ready to show off their skills as they arrived in elaborate ensembles - including leopard print onesies, dinosaur-themed coats and colourful umbrellas (pictured)

The pampered pooches looked ready to show off their skills as they arrived in elaborate ensembles – including leopard print onesies, dinosaur-themed coats and colourful umbrellas (pictured)

Ready FUR action! A dog in a dinosaur-themed coat looks on during the first day of the Crufts

Ready FUR action! A dog in a dinosaur-themed coat looks on during the first day of the Crufts

Working it! A pair of stylish poodles arrive for the first day of the Crufts dog show

Working it! A pair of stylish poodles arrive for the first day of the Crufts dog show

What a fur-bulous bunch! These canines look picture-perfect as they stepped out together for the Birmingham event

What a fur-bulous bunch! These canines look picture-perfect as they stepped out together for the Birmingham event

These poodles were among the hundreds of dogs who arrived at Birmingham's NEC arena today to take part in Crufts

These poodles were among the hundreds of dogs who arrived at Birmingham’s NEC arena today to take part in Crufts

Check them out! This dog wrapped up warm in a fashionable scarf that was also placed over their head while walking in the snow

Check them out! This dog wrapped up warm in a fashionable scarf that was also placed over their head while walking in the snow

Here they are! Poodles from the Lah De Dah Dog stand arriving in the snow at day one of Crufts 2023

Here they are! Poodles from the Lah De Dah Dog stand arriving in the snow at day one of Crufts 2023

Big and beautiful! This St. Bernard was the star of the show in a night-time themed onesie

Big and beautiful! This St. Bernard was the star of the show in a night-time themed onesie 

Puparazzi ready! Pooches worked their walk as they were photographed heading into the show

Puparazzi ready! Pooches worked their walk as they were photographed heading into the show

No ruff, just ready! Dogs of all breeds from around the world are in attendance at the show

No ruff, just ready! Dogs of all breeds from around the world are in attendance at the show

No ruff, just ready! Dogs of all breeds from around the world are in attendance at the show

Double trouble! Scottish Terriers are covered in snow as they arrive for the first day of the Crufts Dog Show

Double trouble! Scottish Terriers are covered in snow as they arrive for the first day of the Crufts Dog Show

Looking good! One dog sported a bright green and yellow character-themed onesie

Looking good! One dog sported a bright green and yellow character-themed onesie

Remarkable in red! Scarlet seemed to be the colour for these pets, with both sporting garments in the statement colour

Remarkable in red! Scarlet seemed to be the colour for these pets, with both sporting garments in the statement colour

Remarkable in red! Scarlet seemed to be the colour for these pets, with both sporting garments in the statement colour 

Making a statement, another dog refused to let the bad weather dampen their spirits and donned a bright yellow raincoat ahead of the competition, organised by The Kennel Club

Making a statement, another dog refused to let the bad weather dampen their spirits and donned a bright yellow raincoat ahead of the competition, organised by The Kennel Club

Pretty in pink! These adorable pooch was dressed in a pink jacket embellished with hearts

Pretty in pink! These adorable pooch was dressed in a pink jacket embellished with hearts 

The pets will compete in agility and obedience tests over the next four days with one pooch being awarded the prestigious Best In Show on Sunday

The pets will compete in agility and obedience tests over the next four days with one pooch being awarded the prestigious Best In Show on Sunday

A dog decked out in purple and yellow leg warmers makes their way towards the arena

A dog decked out in purple and yellow leg warmers makes their way towards the arena

Pretty as a picture: A group thought to be of French Mastiffs arrive on the first day of Crufts 2020 at the Birmingham NEC today

Pretty as a picture: A group thought to be of French Mastiffs arrive on the first day of Crufts 2020 at the Birmingham NEC today

Best foot forward: These two dogs looked keen to arrive at the arena while dressed in blue and pink garments

Best foot forward: These two dogs looked keen to arrive at the arena while dressed in blue and pink garments

Wrapped up warm: This adorable dog was given an extra cuddle before attending the event

Wrapped up warm: This adorable dog was given an extra cuddle before attending the event

You ain't nothing but a hound dog! Three dogs, thought to be American English Coonhound, arrive for the first day of Crufts

You ain’t nothing but a hound dog! Three dogs, thought to be American English Coonhound, arrive for the first day of Crufts

Big fellas! A dup of dogs certainly brought the muscle to the first day of Crufts, which shows toy and working dog breeds

Big fellas! A dup of dogs certainly brought the muscle to the first day of Crufts, which shows toy and working dog breeds

Three of a kind! This pack of pooches looked delighted to be joining their doggy friends for a day out at the Birmingham NEC

Three of a kind! This pack of pooches looked delighted to be joining their doggy friends for a day out at the Birmingham NEC

Best paw forward: With their coiffed do, this poodle makes their way to the show

Best paw forward: With their coiffed do, this poodle makes their way to the show

Standing to attention: This impressive pooch looked ready for their moment in the spotlight as they arrived at the arena

Standing to attention: This impressive pooch looked ready for their moment in the spotlight as they arrived at the arena

All wrapped up! These two dogs wore matching onesies and a hat to cover their heads from the snowy weather

All wrapped up! These two dogs wore matching onesies and a hat to cover their heads from the snowy weather 

Look of love! One dog looked adoringly at their owner

Another dog appeared great in a pattered outfit

Look of love! One dog looked adoringly at their owner, left, while another pooch appeared great in a pattered outfit, right

A dog tries to lick a snowflake as visitors, owners and their dogs arrive in snow showers for the first day of Crufts Dog Show

A dog tries to lick a snowflake as visitors, owners and their dogs arrive in snow showers for the first day of Crufts Dog Show

A young girl and her Labrador Retriever attend the first day of the Crufts dog show in Birmingham

A young girl and her Labrador Retriever attend the first day of the Crufts dog show in Birmingham

A dog owner with his Korthals Griffon attend the first day of the Crufts dog show

A dog owner with his Korthals Griffon attend the first day of the Crufts dog show

A woman arrives with her dog for the first day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

A woman arrives with her dog for the first day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham

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