A dog from Ipswich will compete this weekend to become the nation’s best crossbreed pooch.

Ipswich Star: Mary Uren with her pet dog Baxter, who has reached the semi-finals of Scruffs.Mary Uren with her pet dog Baxter, who has reached the semi-finals of Scruffs. (Image: Archant)

Baxter, a whippet/terrier cross owned by Mary Uren from Warwick Road, has reached the semi-finals of Scruffts.

He and Mary will compete in the Best Crossbreed Rescue class in the main ring at Earl’s Court this Sunday against 17 other hopefuls.

Baxter has out-matched almost 1,200 other dogs to reach this stage of Scruffts, a national competition exclusively for crossbreed dogs which is co-ordinated by the Kennel Club. If he wins then Baxter will progress to the Scruffts final which takes place in March.

Mary, who works at Ipswich School, said: “Baxter came to me from Poplar Farm Rescue in Cambridgeshire when he was aged around seven months. Most of the dogs they have will never be re-homed because of medical issues or behavioural issues. I was very, very fortunate to find such a lovely dog. Baxter enjoys sunbathing, jumping in ponds, digging to Australia, burying things and rolling in things he shouldn’t roll in.

“He’s very lively and inquisitive, a typical terrier and incredibly friendly. I think he’s very cute, but then I would. He’s just a really lovely, sweet-natured dog.

“People often say that he looks like a dog from a children’s book, though I think if he were a literary character, he might be ‘Just William’.”

Baxter managed to impress the judges in the initial heat which took place at the All About Dogs show in Trinity Park this year. Following the competition the judge declared: “First is Baxter, second is everybody else.” The competition seeks to find healthy and happy dogs who behave well and have a good relationship with their owner.

“Obviously I feel Baxter has quite a lot of personality so that helps as well,” added Mary.

Other categories in the semi-final include Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog, Child’s Best Friend, and Golden Oldie Crossbreed. Top judges will be making the difficult decision on the day, taking into account the importance of dog training and responsible dog ownership, and judging the entrants on good character, health and temperament as well as looks.

Mary has also stressed the importance of giving crossbreed and rescue dogs a chance to shine: “Why would you pay hundreds of pounds to a breeder when you can rescue a dog and they bring so much joy?”

If Baxter comes out trumps in the semi-final then he not only has the final to look forward to, but six months of dog food as well.

Last year Ipswich girl Annabelle Shenning and her beloved dog Barley reached the finals of the competition.