HE WOWED the judges with his dazzling eyes, striking good looks and perfect teeth.

Yes, take a bow-wow, Demon the husky, as the prize pooch who has just been crowned the Dorset Echo’s Pet Idol for 2009. Owned by Beaminster School lad John Hughes, 15, Demon was picked out of the thousands of entries that poured in to the Echo.

In a canine clean sweep, runners-up spot went to giant St Bernard Bobby, while third prize was snuffled up by Noo Noo, a wire-haired Jack Russell.

Top dog Demon was given to John as a surprise present two years ago by a relative.

“Ever since he was a little boy John wanted a husky,” said his mum, Peggy, 43.

“That dog is his world and he is over the moon to have won the competition.

“All of our family voted for Demon, so we’re very pleased.”

Demon, who is now two years old, was named after a husky in a children’s TV show The first prize of six months’ worth of pet food, courtesy of The Pet Experience, Weymouth, will certainly come in useful given Demon’s devilish appetite.

“He eats like a horse,” said Peggy.

“He’s a very active dog. He can climb trees, and loves running and swimming in the river.

“He’s very gentle, though, and great with the children. He’s a real family dog.”

John also won a pet portrait with Demon, courtesy of BelbinPhoto.

Despite just being pipped to the top spot by Demon, Vicki Barber, owner of runner-up Bobby, said she was delighted. She said: “I’m mega excited!”

Bobby, a ‘boisterous’ two-year-old St Bernard, according to his owner, lives in Chickerell with Vicki and her fiancé Craig Willin. The couple have had him since he was a puppy and he is better know to them as Blob.

Vicki said her prize of six months’ pet food would also prove a huge bonus given the size of Bobby.

Hettie Harrower, from Portland, won £50-worth of dog behaviour seminars from The Pet Experience for her Jack Russell, Noo Noo.

The Pet Experience, on the Granby Industrial Estate, is a pet education centre, providing specialist knowledge and experience.

For more information contact 01305 782862 or visit the-pet-experience.co.uk.

BelbinPhoto offers pet photography in the home, garden or out and about across Dorset, Somerset, Devon, Hampshire and Wiltshire – and has a studio in Dorchester. Contact 01308 898094.