Jasmine is a Crufts star

Jasmine, an 11-year-old long coat chihuahua, won first prize in the Good Citizen Dog Scheme category for bitches of her class in what could be her last Crufts appearance.

Trainer Melanie Elliott, from Upper Hopton, said: “Jasmine’s been to Crufts the last four years and every year she’s come back with a place but not a first.

“I was going to retire her this year and almost didn’t take her, but she enjoys showing.

“Although she may not be the best specimen from a technical view, the judge said he couldn’t resist her. Her personality is just outstanding. I always say she’s a dog with the X Factor.”

But it’s not Jasmine’s first taste of stardom. She was chosen as the example to follow in a 2008 special of TV show It’s Me or the Dog which featured Jodie Marsh.

Mrs Elliott, 56, had a second Crufts success with nine-year-old Fly, who was very highly commended in the same category as Jasmine.

She said: “The showing isn’t about winning for me. It’s about getting the most out of a dog that I can.”