A four-year-old girl from Brecon has proved that age is only a number after receiving a 'highly-commended' award at Crufts 2026, writes Megan Armitage.

Caitlyn Mellor qualified for the world's biggest dog show alongside her white Miniature Schnauzer Zeeva when she was just three-years-old and took to the green carpet for her debut in Birmingham this March.

The world of Ringcraft runs in her family, with mum Lydia making her 27th Crufts appearance at the same time, and her grandmother before that having also shown.

The youngster soared to a fifth place finish in the veteran bitch class with her best friend Zeeva to thunderous applause, before running to hug her mum in a wonderful showcase of what Crufts is all about.

"Caitlyn started showing at the age of two, but actually came in the ring with me when she was eight weeks old and did a lap of honour with my veteran," said Lydia.

"She has really wanted to do it ever since and took over Zee when she was two.

"She won best veteran in breed at our club show and I think that is why she fell in love with it because it was a nice big rosette.

"She kept saying that she wants to go to Crufts after that."

The youngest competitor of the 2026 competition, Caitlyn was by far one of the favourite of the day, with camera and film crews surrounding her.

She was an incredible 88 years the younger of the eldest competitor of the four-day show, with Virigina Barwell bringing three of her Cavelier King Charles Spaniels at the ripe age of 92.

The years of Crufts now spanning ahead of her, Caitlyn’s mum is thrilled to think about what her daughter could go on to achieve, as long as she remembers to keep the fun of it at the heart.

"She is so confident and nothing phases her," said Lydia.

"I did wonder coming into today if she would be overwhelmed but she has taken it all in her stride. I am so proud of her - she is amazing."

The youngster herself added: "I came fifth at Crufts and had a lot of fun."

Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners.

Viewers can see highlights on Channel 4 and More4, and for further information and tickets visit crufts.org.uk