A talented pooch from Sussex has followed in her mother’s paw-steps and claimed another pair of championships at international dog breeder’s competition Crufts.

Zaz, a five-year-old Shetland Sheepdog from Fittleworth, near Pulborough, won the Kennel Club British Open for small dogs last Thursday and also claimed her third Agility Championship on Sunday.

She is a second generation Crufts champion following the successes of her now retired mother Zen, 10, in the 2010 and 2011 British Open.

Owner Bernadette Bay said she was extremely proud of her dogs’ accomplishments and Zaz was perfect in every part of the competition.

She said: “Zaz and I are so delighted to have won.

“Zaz’s mother won this same event two years in a row so we are even more proud to be continuing her legacy.”

She added that Zaz loves the thrill of competition and performing in front of audiences, but away from the course she is a loving and energetic family pet.

Bernadette is a professional dog trainer and she breeds Shetland Sheepdogs as her hobby.

Zaz’s half brother, Giz-Mo, two, competed in his first Crufts and continued the family tradition of champions, taking the top spot in both the novice open and the novice agility cups.

Bernadette moved from America to the UK in 2001 and has since competed in 11 Crufts competitions – claiming three British Open championships and three Agility championships.

She plans to compete again next year, with her dogs automatically qualifying for the competition as defending champions.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “Top agility competitors from a range of different countries compete in agility at Crufts. The British Open is a unique event.

“We would like to congratulate Zaz and Bernadette.

“She is such a lovely dog that clearly loves competing and has a great relationship with her handler.”