THE world’s greatest dog show returns for its 127th show this weekend with more than 20,000 canines heading for the contest.

Pedigree dogs from all over the globe will compete across the weekend having started on Thursday with the return of Crufts.

The breeds at the show this year range from some of the UK’s most popular, including the golden retriever and Staffordshire bull terrier.

Among those at the show will be representatives from the Southampton-based flyball team who won the outdoor championship last year.

The team captain has been selected to judge the flyball at the prestigious competition. One of the dogs, Wizz, and handled by 11-year-old Sienna, will also appear at Crufts with Sienna acting as junior handler.

Around 160,000 people are expected to head to the event, with a host of stalls also on offer. Visitors can also meet around 200 different breeds of pedigree dogs.

The most coveted prize remains the Best in Show, with others including Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year and crowds will find out which four-legged hero has been voted winner of the Friends for Life competition.

The world’s finest canine athletes will also battle it out in front of the Southampton team judge in agility, flyball and obedience competition.