If you love dogs, you'd be barking mad to miss a film festival devoted to the special bond between humans and their canine companions.

The Top Dog Film Festival, from this weekend, will feature a collection of heart-warming films celebrating the incredible bond between dogs and their human companions.

Showing virtually, the uplifting short films show our four-legged friends from around the world including hard-working police and medical dogs, inspirational rescue dogs and fearless adventure dogs.

“The bond between humans and dogs can be profound, and these films celebrate the fabulous four-legged friends who enrich our lives,” said tour director Nell Teasdale.

“Whether you’re a dog owner or just like animals, this new collection of films is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and fall in love with man’s best friend all over again.”

Watch the trailer here:

Film highlights include Paws and Wheels which shows Oli Dorn, one of Germany’s best mountain bike riders, and his trusty Australian shepherd Balu, a story of epic trail shredding, but friendship and the unbreakable bond that comes from sharing your hobby with your best furry friend.

Dr Dog joins dogs working in the field of medicine, from cancer and diabetes detection dogs, to dogs making life-changing donations at the doggy blood bank and has heart-warming moments and a unique insight into the canine companions who help dogs and humans alike.

See some of the heart-warming images of the canine stars and their best friends here:

Viewers for the virtual event have exclusive access to behind-the-scenes Q&As with film-makers, and a dedicated kids’ zone for young animal lovers.

The Top Dog Film Festival is produced by the team behind the Banff Mountain Film Festival in the UK and Ireland and starts on Friday, April 30 and runs until Monday, May 10. Films begin at 7.30pm, with viewers invited to explore the virtual foyer from 6.30pm, where they can enter the prize draw and take a Top Dog Film Festival quiz. The viewing window is open for 72 hours.

For more information and tickets, see topdogfilmfestival.co.uk.

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