And the winner is ... Afterglow Miami Ink

Owner Jason Lynn and Afterglow Miami Ink the American Cocker Spaniel, who has been crowned Best In Show. Photo / AP

Afterglow Miami Ink the American Cocker Spaniel has been crowned Best In Show at this year's Crufts.

With its distinctive long-flowing and tricolour coat and high-set tail, handler Jason Lynn praised the breed for its merry temperament.

"He's pretty special and honestly I'm speechless. I'm absolutely shocked and thrilled," Lynn said.

"Temperament is probably the hallmark of the breed - his happy, wagging tail and his charisma."

In reserve was the elegant and stylish Miniature Poodle, Frankie.

More than 22,000 dogs took part in the 2017 competition and around 160,000 dog owners and lovers are estimated to have packed out the Birmingham NEC arena over the four-day competition.

Sunday's Best In Show final brought to an end the world's largest dog competition which saw entries from 56 countries.