Take a peek inside the latest addition to our ever-growing canine library – Pets in Portraits by the National Portrait Gallery, launched this week to celebrate Britain’s on-going love affair with our pets.

We came, we saw, we marveled, we laughed, we shopped, we conquered all five halls; we even shed a tear at the heartbreaking news of Jagger the Red Setter’s poisoning. Crufts - it’s been emotional, but before we put this mother of all dog shows to bed, here’s 10 Things We Learned at Crufts 2015.

In our excitement to #CountdownCrufts we’ve forgotten an important calendar date – our third birthday, which was March 1st. Whoops! It’s a little too late to be cracking open the champers, tucking into cake and busting out the party poppers so instead we’re celebrating our toddler-hood by sharing Mia Loves Jay’s Party Hat Doggy Cards. 

In a matter of days Crufts will take place at the Birmingham NEC. With no less than five huge halls, packed with breed fancying, canine competitions, dazzling dog displays and endless shop-til-you-drop ops, it’s a whirlwind of excitement. Plus with lots of new styles, products and generous show offers to tempt you, deciding what to buy is likely to send you into a tailspin. Follow our paw and footprints with Barkarama’s guide to shopping at Crufts, and you won’t go home to a disappointed dog. 

Budge up Basil and make room for another ‘B’ dog who’s captured our heart - Billie the British Sealyham Terrier, and the latest four-legged member of the Cath Kidston family. 

You’ve heard of Tough Mudder but what about tough mutt-er? This May, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home are inviting fitness fans and game-for-a-laughers to participate in the UK’s first Muddy Dog Challenge.

With just over two week weeks until the pedigree extravaganza that is Crufts, there's still time to swot up on your dog breeds. And when it comes to knowing your Cane Corsos from your Lagoto Romagnolos, Breeds: A Canine Compendium is our kind of revision. 

Just like a box of chocolates, we’ve gone all soft-centred about Valentines (and Basil of course), which is why our latest dog gift guide is packed full of cutesy hearts, pink and all things pretty. There’s treats to tickle their tastebuds, toys, fancy pet wear and more.

Our star buy both on price and pressies is PetsPyjamas Valentine’s Dog Treat Box, priced £24.99, containing a rawhide Valentine Lollipup, biscuits, a sweet love hearts bandana, Dog Pérignon Champagne toy, tennis ball, and pet travel bowl. You can even get the box personalised with your dog’s name and their very own photo-stamp. 

Show your dog some love this Valentine’s Day with our recommended gift buys ...