A WEYMOUTH dog lover and her prizewinning pooch are hoping to wow judges at the national Scruffts competition.

Debbie Pizzie, who works at the Acorn Day Centre, Weymouth, and her pet shih-tsu cross German shepherd, Kizzy, are heading to Earls Court in London to compete in the annual Kennel Club show for crossbreed dogs on November 13.

Mrs Pizzie's daughter Leah, 12, is also going along to show her support. She also has another daughter, Helena, who helps with Kizzy.

Kizzy, who is nine months old, has already won in the regional heats in September at Paws in the Park, Poole.

She will now compete for the title of prettiest crossbreed bitch and Scruffts family crossbreed dog of the year. Mrs Pizzie said: "I think she will do quite well because she is quite unusual looking.."

There will also be categories for the most handsome dog, golden oldie and child's best friend.

A spokesman for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, formed in 1987 to raise money for canine causes, said: "A celebrity judge will face the difficult task of choosing just one champion crossbreed, based on good character and health, and good temperament with other people and other dogs."