Dalmatians from Holmes Chapel compete at Crufts 2023

Rebecca Tavill, from Holmes Chapel, will be showing the striking duo this weekend at the competition, which runs from March 9 to 12 at the NEC Birmingham.

Ace, who is just nine months old, took the show world by storm after winning Best Puppy at his first championship show.

He’s gone from strength to strength with many more wins under his paws, so Rebecca is excited for what Crufts will bring for the youngster (who goes by show name Puntinato Ballante Virtual Vision Vortex in Tockica).

“Ace is so loving and outgoing,” Rebecca said.

“The first judge at our first show said he had such a joy for life.

“When he went and won it, it was like ‘this doesn’t happen!’.

“He’s just gone on to keep winning.”

Rebecca and Ace (Image: Thornhill Photography)

Joining Ace will be Dottie – two-and-a-half – who is also looking forward to showing Crufts what she has got to offer.

For Rebecca, Crufts will always be a family event after her nan showed Yorkshire Terriers and her mum showed Chihuahuas, before then showing Newfoundlands.

She explained: “My mum got me into showing as soon as she possible could.

“She’s been extremely successful with the Newfoundlands, so she’s what I’m heading for.

Dottie (Image: Thornhill Photography)

“I have no idea what it is about Dalmatians, they just had something – whether it was the spots or the loving personality, they just drew me in.

“I’m really looking forward to Crufts this year and we’ll be there rooting for mum too who is also showing.

“It’s always going to be family time for us.”

And even after all the preparation and training, Rebecca admits it never gets easier to face the judges in the ring.

“My hands shake, and I get the adrenaline rush – I asked my mum if you ever get used to it and she said you don’t,” she said.

“But it’s fun, it’s just you and your dog.

“For a lot of people, it’s not about the winning, it’s just going out there with your pet.”