A young Staffie has represented the UK at an international dog show – and proved himself to be top dog.

Teddy the 12-month-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier recently proved himself a champion at the International Staffordshire Match.

And owner Debbie McCarron-Tuer couldn't be more pleased with her young dog, who, along with his UK teammates, came first in every category but one, beating the other nine countries competing.

Although Staffie-mad Debbie has owned the breed for 27 years, she only began showing them just over two years ago.

But being a novice isn't holding her back, as Debbie's dogs have now competed all over the country, including at Crufts 2019.

"It's really nerve-wracking and intimidating when everyone else is professional – I've hardly got any experience showing dogs," she said.

"It was a bit of a shock that the UK won, but Teddy cleaned up, to be honest!"

Between shows, the 47-year-old teaching assistant regularly attends Curwen Show Dog Training Class in Harrington, where she has gone on and off since she was 11 years old.

And dog training is clearly contagious, as her five-year-old daughter now tags along with Debbie, getting to know all the tricks of the trade – and saying hello to plenty of dogs.

While the lucky bunch at the training club have already met the star Staffie, Debbie's pupils at St Patrick's Primary School are yet to have a cuddle, and she's sure Teddy will be smothered in hugs at the school's celebratory assembly for the duo.

"Teddy is definitely a pet, not a show dog, but he was so well behaved at the show," Debbie said, proud of her pup. "He stood for four and a half minutes without moving while three strangers judged him – he just turned on his charm and stayed still, which was brilliant.

"The whole show was a wonderful experience, and the UK support was fantastic!"