Crufts has seen a rise in popularity of the Lowchen - "Little Lion Dog" - with a nine-fold increase in competitors.

       With a revival of the rare breed following a publicity campaign, the number being shown at the world renowned competition on Saturday soared 96 per cent.

       Forty six of the animals - which feature a lion-like mane, shaven rump and plumed tail - were put through their paces, compared to just a handful at the previous show at the NEC in Birmingham in 2020.

       Breeders of the Lowchen are working tirelessly to make sure the animals don’t become extinct, with one saying: "They make fabulous family dogs and we can’t lose them."

       Mary Pascoe, a breeder and secretary of the Lowchen Little Lion Dog Club, said: "They are wonderful, happy family dogs and are suddenly becoming more popular as a show breed.

       "They have good construction and movement and beautiful big eyes and look at those perfect white teeth - they’re better than mine."

       Mrs Pascoe, 64, a retired dog groomer from Southport, Merseyside, won the Limit Dog class with her three-year-old pet, Jade Char Flashback Hero.

       She said: "It’s his first Crufts and we’ve worked damn hard so we’re delighted to have won."

       She told how the breed, which originates from Europe and was imported to the UK in 1969, was slowly becoming more popular.

       The Lowchen, shown in the Toy Group, must have the coat clipped in a traditional lion style.

       There are thought to be around 5,000 Lowchens in Britain today, with puppies costing around ￡1,500 - cheaper than Cockapoo puppies at around ￡3,000-￡4,000.

       Janet Edwards, a breed rescuer and health co-ordinator, said: "They make fabulous family dogs and we can’t lose them. They are so versatile and intelligent and easy to train. They have relatively no health problems and can live to 18 years old."

       A Kennel Club spokesperson said: "We’re pleased to see some of our historically more unusual breeds, like the Lowchen, known affectionately as little lion dog, with growing entry figures at Crufts 2022, meaning more of the dog-loving public will see and be aware of the huge variety of breeds we are lucky to have."