Meet Jethro the dog, the 11-stone pooch preparing for a summer of pulling children around in a specially-made trailer.

Jethro can sit, roll over and even play dead but the docile dog also entertains hundreds of kids each year.

Tony Underwood, 53, bought Jethro when he was a puppy and has been taking him to dog shows ever since.

The hefty hound, who is 33 inches high, has become a firm favourite at summer fairs as he pulls children around in a cart.

He found out that he likes doing it after pulling around his friend, Stan the Shih Tzu.

Mr Underwood, of Marlowe Road, Worthing, said: “He’s a German working dog and the breed is a Leonberger. He goes to Findon Downs Dog Training Club.

“In the summer he gives the kids rides at fairs in Sussex, Hampshire and Somerset. He’s so big we thought it would be fun, and it’s gone from there.

“When he goes to shows he just sits there calmly and likes being stroked by the youngsters. He’s a very friendly dog.

“Children like Jethro because he’s like a big teddy bear.

“With Jethro, he tends to sit still and people come up and give him a big cuddle.

“It is the nicest breed of dog I have ever had, lovely and affectionate.”

Mr Underwood bought Jethro, now four-and-a-half, after attending the Discovered Dogs Show at Earls Court in London .

Since getting Jethro he has also taken on 15-month-old Evie, who is also a Leonberger, and she will start pulling carts next year.

Mr Underwood said: “We wanted a larger dog who was calm. They do have their moments of madness when they get playful and start bouncing around.”

Leonberger’s have webbed feet and love to swim. They also love affection.

His size means he has a huge appetite and he eats two large meals a day which can include tripe, mince, vegetables, yoghurt and goat’s milk.

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