Baldrick is making a good recovery

The Chinese Crested dog, which is said to be worth up to �450, was found on a doorstep in Telford and taken to a nearby rescue centre, which advertised in a local newspaper for the owner to come forward.

The Hilbrae Rescue Kennels were contacted by Jessie Delaney, who claimed ownership of the animal, nicknamed Baldrick by the dogs' home because of his bald, forlorn appearance.

The kennels owner Marty Burrell is disputing Mrs Delaney's claim, saying she was not the last known owner.

Mrs Burrell says she will keep the dog until a new home can be found unless a judge rules otherwise when the case goes back to court next month.

Mrs Delaney took the matter to a county court judge who agreed with her request for a DNA test on the pedigree dog to show whether it is one of hers.

When he came to us, Baldrick was very underweight, and his skin was scabby and scaly Marty Burrell, rescue home owner

Baldrick's DNA will be matched against others bred by Mrs Delaney to determine whether he is from the same litter.

Mrs Delaney says she asked a friend to look after "Dewey" while she went into hospital for a heart operation six months ago. She says he was then abandoned.

She said she had given him up for dead until she saw a photograph of him in the local newspaper and contacted Mrs Burrell, who like Baldrick the TV character, says she has "a cunning plan" of defence.

Court appeal

Baldrick's bare skin appearance with hair confined to its legs, head and tail, may suggest he is unwell, but these are the breed's natural characteristics, said the rescue centre owner.

Mrs Burrell said: "When he came to us, Baldrick was very underweight, and his skin was scabby and scaly.

Dewey was only ever fostered. The whole thing is being twisted Jessie Delaney, dog owner claimant

"He looked unloved but we have fattened him up a bit and he is absolutely delightful."

"Mrs Delaney was not the last keeper of the dog, so I am not obliged to give him back to her."

However, Mrs Delaney insisted Baldrick - or Dewey - was still hers, saying: "Mrs Burrell is wrong - Dewey was only ever fostered. The whole thing is being twisted."

The county court judge ruled that Mrs Burrell could keep the dog until the case is decided at court on 14 March.

But even if it does not go her way, Mrs Burrell says she will fight through the courts with an appeal.

She claims Mrs Delaney is not a suitable owner and alleges she has evidence to back up her case, which she could not divulge.

Meanwhile, Baldrick is receiving more than his fair share of attention and dog lovers are waiting in anticipation with the offer of a new home.