More than 10,000 dogs will step into the ring at the site in Alwalton, near Peterborough, for the three-day Championship Dog Show, between July 15 and 17.

And on July 16, the Festival of Hunting is also being held at the showground. It is the greatest gathering of hounds in the country, with more than 1,500 from 100 different packs represented.

There will be foxhounds, harriers, beagles, bloodhounds, draghounds, basset hounds and terriers.

Both events are organised by the East of England Agricultural Society.

The Championship Dog Show is in its 50th year and will see more than 130 individual breeds trained by top breeders from the length and breadth of the country and beyond at the show.

It is one of the most popular events of the dog showing world and this year will see hundreds of entries sign up to take part in gun dog, utility dog, toy, terrier, working and pastoral breed classes – and competition is set to be fierce.

The heat is on as all of the animals will also be competing for the highly coveted Best in Show award.

The event is particularly important for some dog owners, as winners in each class qualify automatically for Crufts, which will next be held at the National Exhibition Centre, in Birmingham, in March next year.

Chief executive of the East of England Agricultural Society Andrew Mercer said: "It is a marvellous opportunity to see every kind of dog breed imaginable.

"If you are looking to get a dog in the future, this is a great way to talk to lots of breeders and find out what would be the best breed for you.

"Overseas entries also remain strong at the show, so it truly is an international event."

Organisers say they will also be a great opportunity to pamper your pooches and enjoy some retail therapy with more than 50 specialist trade stands selling everything to make your dog's day.