From last minute trims an blow-dry sessions to perfectly placed ribbons and gravity defying hairstyles, the world's most pampered pooches are being primed to perfection as they prepare to strut into the spotlight at Crufts

Backstage at the world-famous dog show, Shih-tzus sport wacky topknots, poodles are fluffed and blow-dried into immaculate clouds of curls, and Yorkshire terriers sit patiently as their owners fuss over their silky coats

The grooming frenzy is all part of the meticulous preparation for the prestigious competition, where every strand of fur is carefully combed, brushed and styled before the dogs take to the ring

A poodle wearing ski goggles poses for a picture at Crufts dog show in Birmingham 

A woman grooms a Shih Tzu ahead of competition on day three Crufts 

And the spectacle has even won over celebrities, with television favorite, Claudia Winkleman declaring that hosting the event had been 'the best day of her life' - even better than her own wedding

A Miniature Poodle rests in a pen on day three of Crufts

A Poodle waits to be groomed on day three of Crufts

This year's show features over 18,600 dogs

A Shih Tzu resting before its big moment at Crufts

A woman grooms a Shih Tzu ahead of competition on day three of Crufts

A poodles wears pink wraps around its fur

A woman grooms a fluffy white Poodle on day three of Crufts dog show

A toy poodle is groomed by its handler

Crufts, held at Birmingham's NEC, brings together thousands of dogs from across the globe each year, with more than 150,000 visitors expected over the four-day celebration of all things canine

A Shih Tzu rests its head on a pillow as it's groomed by its handler

A man holds a Bolognese on day three of Crufts dog show

A Women groom a Tibetan Spaniel

 A poodle being prepared for the show

A Yorkshire terrier wears a red bow as it's groomed at Crufts

A pair of Shih Tzu dogs pose for a picture

A Poodle waits to be groomed on day three of Crufts

A poodle stands proudly before taking to the show ring