He was a poodley poodle

Judge Pamela Cross Stern

The animal, who goes by the pet name King, is owned by Mr S and Mrs K Glenna, from Norway.

Owner Kari Glenna said she could not believe her luck.

"I don't believe it. I am very excited and very nervous. He is just a family pet, not a show dog. I never expected this."

King was judged "glamorous" and moved well

Judge Pamela Cross Stern said the winner was a glamorous dog who demanded attention in the ring.

She said: "Constructionally he was very well made. He epitomised his breed. He was a poodley poodle.

"He was glamorous, he moved well and he said: 'Hey, look at me'."

Five other dogs reached the final for the award - a flat-coated retriever, a giant schnauzer, an Old English sheepdog, a wire fox terrier, a saluki hound and Pekingese toy dog.

The Pekingese was awarded Reserve Best In Show.

An Old English was also in the final

The 111-year-old event at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre attracted more than 22,000 dogs, 15,000 owners and 120,000 visitors over its four days.

This year's event featured more than 300 foreign dogs, and was expected to pull in more than 5,000 visitors from outside the UK.

Foreign dogs have been allowed to compete since 2001, since quarantine laws were relaxed.