Don’t tell Rees-Dogg and his hard Rexiteers

...but Crufts may be won by a MIGRANT mutt!

FOR dog lovers, it is the undoubted highlight of the year. Owners from across the land preen their pets in the hope of winning the coveted best in show prize at Crufts.

But now for the first time, the competition is being opened to foreign breeds that have not yet been established in the UK.

And the relaxation of Kennel Club rules could be enough to drive leading Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg and his cohorts barking mad.

Kennel Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: ‘It does give these dogs the right to show off in the ring.

‘We felt that if someone has gone to the expense and trouble of bringing a breed into the country, it seemed unfair to slam the door on them for the Crufts’ top prize.’

The event opens at the NEC Birmingham on Wednesday, and this year 98 migrant dogs from 15 foreign breeds will be paraded around the ring in the hope of catching the judges’ eye.

Previously, British owners of new foreign dogs were only allowed to show off their pets in the ‘imported breed’ classes at the show. But this week, winners of these classes can go on to compete in group rounds where champions are eligible to be selected for the canine crown.

Until now, only foreign dog breeds that have become established pedigrees in Britain were allowed to join the elite parade.

Among the newcomers on show will be the Hungarian Pumi, an adorable breed with a slightly comical look. It is nicknamed the Clown in its native country.

Bergamasco Shepherd dogs, from the Italian Alps, have distinctive dreadlock-like matted hair, while the Mexican Xoloitzcuintle – or Xolos for short – is hairless, considered sacred by the Aztecs and Mayans, and is now Mexico’s national dog. Meanwhile, the Griffon Fauve De Bretagne was originally used for boar-hunting in France and needs lots of exercise.

Almost 21,000 dogs will compete at Crufts this year. The competition runs until next Sunday.