Marley, a cross German Shepherd/Border Collie, practices his heel to music routine at Crufts 2013 on March 5, 2013, in Birmingham, England. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Dogs, who have been the most widely kept pet and working animal in our history, have earned the name "man’s best friend."

At Crufts, the world’s largest dog event, canine's are celebrated for their various contributions to society. Hero dogs are honored in the Friends for Life Competition, rescue dogs in the rescue dog agility competition and working dogs in the Police Dog Team Operational and Humanitarian Action of the Year award.

The event, which was founded by Charles Cruft in 1891, has drastically changed from its inception. In addition to a dog show - which celebrates the outdoorsy sporting and hound breeds - the event also includes a trade show of dog-related goods.

The show kicked off Thursday and ends Sunday, March 10.

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Baby John Hughes with his St Bernard, Moltie Mallone at Cruft's dog show at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, London on Feb. 10, 1937. (Becker/Fox Photos/Getty Images)