IT'S anything but a dog's life for the latest addition to the Royle family from Elton.

For Diesel, a Bernese mountain dog, won first prize in the special puppy group on the last day of the world-famous Crufts held at Birmingham NEC.

And having done that, he went on to become the best puppy in his breed by beating the best bitch in the group.

Diesel's pedigree name is Monacou Secret Pledge, and he was one of only 13 male Bernese mountain dogs (aged up to 14 months) who qualified for this year's show.

A breed of working dog, they originate from Bern in Switzerland. Diesel was up against competitors from across Europe and Scandinavia.

While he was acquired as a family pet, his father is a champion and his mother, Nelly Pledge, is currently the bitch record holder.