Portugese Water Dog Prepares For Crufts 2009

TELFORD, ENGLAND - MARCH 03: Kix, a Portuguese Water Dog , enjoys a walk around the muddy fields near his home before the grooming and preparation starts for this years Crufts on March 3, 2009 in Telford, England. Kix has previously won his class at Crufts amongst other dog show prizes. Kix whose Kennel Club name is ' Biley's Ranon Lyran Big Bang At Rysalka' is hoping to win a bigger prize this year for his owner Sue Tweedie when the world's biggest dog show starts on Thursday. The popularity of Portuguese Water Dogs has soared since speculation that US President Barack Obama may get one of the dogs for his children to fulfil his election night promise that they will get a puppy. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)