Miniature pinscher Tiffany turned heads in a little pink number as she prepared to take on the competition at the third annual Pride Dog Show.

It was, according to her owner Richard Gathercole, chosen from a "whole wardrobe of other cool outfits" belonging to the 18-month-old pup.

But they weren't taking things too seriously.

Mr Gathercole, 28, said: "We've done a couple of other shows but they're quite stressful and this is really just a bit of fun."

It was the first time at the show for Honnie, a 12-week-old chihuahua, and her owner Miss Rob.

The 24-year-old already has a selection of T-shirts, rugby shirts and dresses for her new pet, who was among about 150 dogs to gather at the Pride Companion Dog Show yesterday at Hove Rugby Club.

Along with the pedigree classes, pooches vied to be crowned the prettiest bitch or the most handsome dog and win prizes for their outrageous fancy dress or waggiest tail.

Miss Rob, of Springfield Road, Brighton, said: "There are a lot of people taking it extremely seriously but there are a lot of people who are very light-hearted about it all, having fun and enjoying showing their dogs off."

Dog breeders Ian Chessun, 50, and his partner Pauul Gay, 38, of The Herons, Shoreham, entered one of their Tibetan terriers, Flo, in the utility and prettiest bitch categories.

Diva, a black pug, and an affenpinscher called Lilly were also entered in the toy category.

Peter Seamarks, 57, and his partner Nemo Hiro, 35, were celebrating after their seven-year-old toy poodle Misty came fourth in the utility and second in the veteran categories.

Mr Seamarks, of Lansdowne Street, Hove, said: "It was a brilliant day.

"Everything Pride organises is good and it's always good to support their events."

The show was Kennel Club registered, with Les Crawley, who was on the Crufts committee for many years, as master of ceremonies.

Dr Andreas Schemel, who has judged all over Europe, the USA and Australia for the last 20 years, was the pedigree judge.