MEET the dogs representing the conurbation at the world’s most prestigious dog show.
Crufts is returning in March for its annual celebration of man’s best friend. But who will be flying the flag for BCP?
Here are two people and their star pets to look out for at this year's competition.
Marina White with Coco
Marina White, aged 40 and from Bournemouth, will be showing her three-year-old Dalmatian Coco at Crufts on Sunday 11 March.
Coco will join more than 200 dalmatians that have qualified for the competition.
It is not the first time Coco has been up for judgement. She has been all around the country for shows, competing in carriage dog training with the British Carriage Dog Society, and even dog surfing championships.
Outside of competing, Coco enjoys her daily romps with other doggy pals and making Marina's two kids laugh with her naughty antics.
Marina has been showing dogs since she was nine years old but holds a particularly special bond with Coco.
She said: “I’ve owned some very special dogs in my life, but Coco is off the scale for loyalty. She’s seen me through some very difficult times over the years.
“She is just the perfect animal, who just happens to be an amazing show dog as well.”
Good luck to Marina and Coco.
Megan-Rose Hall with Puddle
Megan-Rose Hall, aged 12 and from Poole, has qualified for the Young Kennel Club Obedience final taking place at Crufts on March 10.
She will be showing her three-year-old Miniature Poodle called Puddle, who she’s had since eight weeks old.
Megan has worked extremely hard to get to Crufts, practising every weekend at the Dolphin Centre, and getting help from trainers Brian Reed, Sandy Elliston and Lisa Paris.
Her mother, Laura Simpson-Hall, who is also into dog training, said: “Megan came to Crufts with me one year, and she spotted the Young Kennel Club stand and asked if she could join, but she was about four at the time and you can’t join it till your six.
“When she turned six, we signed her up, and found out about all the training they do.
“It all went from there really.”
After putting in years of training with her two family dogs, Megan was allowed to get Puddle- her very own four legged friend.
Laura said: “Last summer was Megan’s very first year of competing, and she qualified for Crufts. I’m extremely proud of her.”
Best of luck to Megan and Puddle.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here