GENTLE giant Otto has been getting a week of pampering before one of the most important dates in his doggy diary.
The three-year-old Leonberger makes his first appearance at world famous dog show Crufts on Sunday.
And the ten-stone "softie" is getting a shampoo and set plus lots of his favourite carrot snacks to prepare him for the event.
"He's so laid back. I'm surprised he hasn't fallen over. He's totally unaware of what's going on," said proud owner Susan Elliot, of Honley.
"I'm just on a high. I love showing him and I'm looking forward to the big day."
Otto, whose pedigree name is Jantonely Addicted to Love, qualified for Crufts after clinching third place in the Leonberger Club of Great Britain championships held in Coventry last year.
The Leonberger originated in Germany and is a cross between a St Bernard and a Newfoundland, but is now recognised as a breed in its own right.
A team of supporters including his vet and stylists, will be travelling down to Birmingham NEC early on Sunday to see Otto take part in his postgraduate Leonberger class.
"A Leonberger has never won Crufts best in show, but we're looking forward to the whole experience - and who knows?" Susan added.
CRUFTS runs from today until Sunday and is hosted by the Kennel Club.
More than 23,000 dogs from across the globe will be vying to win the title of Best In Show at the NEC in Birmingham.
Almost 200 breeds will be hoping to succeed the 2004 champion, a whippet called Deedee.
The show is the largest dog show in the world.
There are 23,717 entries this year compared to 23,729 entries in 2004.
