A dog won a prize after it was transformed into a killer whale as part of an extreme grooming competition.

Denise Ower and her six-year-old poodle Zeppelin wowed judges at the Irish Professional Dog Groomers Association contest.

Ms Ower, who owns a dog grooming parlour at College Farm, in Church End, Finchley, used hair dyes and straightners and even attached a fin to Zeppelin's back to achieve the look.

She said: “I have spent the whole year perfecting the style, so everything was perfect.

“As a half black and half white poodle he needed a style that would complement his colour, as in the UK you don't bleach dogs.”

There were five competitors taking part in the competition in Naas Road, Dublin, at which dogs were groomed to resemble characters including dragons and fairies.

One of the two judges included television dog-stylist Su Eld-Weaver.

Ms Ower said: “It is always nerve-wracking, I was nervous and excited because I do not live for the competitions but they are a major part of my career. Life does not revolve around them but they are a major part of my life.”

“Zeppelin was an absolute angel. He’s just one of those dogs that is really eager to please and he loves doing anything for you.

“He is very kind he’d do anything for me. In the shows it is our one-on-one time.”

She is now preparing for the League of Extraordinary Groomers competition with her other poodle, Bella.