Video: Pooch receives prestigious title of Horsham’s Top Dog

And last week the cheeky 11-year-old Weimaraner was showered with doggy treats as the County Times handed over the prestigious award.

The owners of Zamba, who live off North Heath Lane, say the pooch has acquired celebrity status in the area after appearing in the competition which was launched last year.

“We weren’t so keen on entering her in shows but we thought she deserved some sort of recognition because she’s always been our top dog,” said Neil James.

The proud owners describe her as ‘very strong willed, quite hard to train and very energetic’.

But it’s Zamba’s quirky traits that make her the much-loved family member she is today.

“She’s eaten a whole tub of butter before,” said Rosalyn. “On walks she enjoys picking up ducks and pheasants, never harming them, but bringing them over to show us and then putting them down and letting them waddle off.

“She has a cat that visits her everyday and they’ve met nose to nose.”

Zamba even has exclusive access to a local no-dogs-allowed cafe.

“She’s very loving,” continued Rosalyn. “She knew when it was the end of school because she would get on the sofa and look out the window ready for three o’clock to see the kids.”

Zamba’s Top Dog certificate will take the prominent position above her bed - assuring visitors of her new-found status.

Speaking of the ‘early Christmas present from the County Times’, Neil said: “The West Sussex County Times has brought happiness to all those caring owners that had their pictures published and all that entered were worthy winners in their owners eyes.”

Favourite four-legged friends can now be entered for the title of Sussex Top Dog in the West Sussex Gazette by emailing [email protected]