Crufts 2016 gets under way with a special stand to 'meet and greet' the Dogs of Instagram (2)

Lindsay Sanders, the owner of a miniature dachshund Bruno, who boasts more than 66,000 Instagram followers, said her two-year-old pet had received a warm welcome at Crufts from social media users familiar with his liking for bow ties and destroying boxes.

Ms Sanders, 31, from London, said she was pleased to be able to highlight educational issues surrounding the breed, and also raise funds for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.

'What the Kennel Club have found is that Instagram is making the breed popular,' she said.

A Bichon Frise waiting for its competition class at Crufts, which this year celebrates its 125th year

Bichon Frises prepare for show on Thursday. Friday will see the gundogs competing for the title Best in Show

A handler shows a Maltese during the first day of the Crufts Dog Show. The event also boasts more than 400 trade stands