Four-year-old Kris, shown by Brian Middleton at Crufts 2008, emerged as the best in his breed and one of the country's top eight hounds.

In 2006 he was the top hound and went into the final line-up for the title of Supreme Champion.

This year the top hound was a beagle, second was a miniature long-haired dachshund and Kris had to be content with third.

The Nelson-bred dog is owned by Mr Middleton and his wife, Linda.

Linda said: "I do not know if we will enter him for Crufts again next year. The competition is getting stiffer and stiffer by the year with more and more dogs coming from abroad. There were 75 Norwegian elkhounds at Crufts this year, together making up 95 entries. Next year, the judge is a man who has already awarded Kris a Challenge Certificate in the past – so we are having a think about it because we have not been placed in that situation before. But Kris really loves the show ring. He rises to the occasion."