A NEAPOLITAN mastiff called Drosdelnoch’s Telegram Sam Of Orobos—or Sam for short—was voted best puppy in breed at Crufts 2004 where he also took second place in the special junior dog section.

Sam, who is owned by Michael and Sue Smith, of Lunan Bay, was handled in the ring by his breeder Mr Kev Berry of Nottingham.

Sam also made history in November last year when he became the first Neapolitan mastiff puppy in the UK to be placed in the top four of a working group at a championship dog show, where he also won best Neapolitan mastiff puppy, best junior dog and reserve best of sex in breed.

His owners and breeder are extremely proud of him and feel Sam has achieved so much considering he was just a year old in February.

“He is just a big softie at heart who loves playing with the children, Aaron, aged 10, Danny, aged seven, and baby Millie who is seven months,” said Sue.

Sam, who is groomed regularly by Paws at Carnoustie, loves all of the attention he is getting.

“He behaves really well at the groomers, even enjoying his baths which, due to his size and weight, are impossible at home,” added Sue.

Sam weighs in at 65 kilos and is still growing. He has now qualified for Crufts for life so the family hope he will continue to do well in the future.