He may not have been in the running for gold, but Kratu the Romanian rescue dog stole the hearts of hundreds of spectators with a shockingly bad display at Crufts.

Hilarious footage from the famous dog competition shows how the cross-breed shepherd dog made a mess of the agility course, as his trainer ran after him.

Kratu, a Carpathian-Mioritic cross, sent the crowd into fits of laughter as he attempted to take on the obstacles without much success.

Kratu was entered into the rescue dogs agility course, a non-competitive category where the animals take their time to complete the circuit.

Handler Tessa Eagle Swan cautiously brought Kratu up to the line and gave him a first bit of direction.

After getting over the first jump, Tessa pointed to the second hurdle, but within seconds Kratu had already chosen his path and missed it entirely.

Kratu wreaked havoc around the Crufts agility course at the Birmingham NEC. He is a rescue dog from Romania who has become an ambassador for support-dog training

Seconds after handler Tessa takes her hand off his collar, Kratu darts across the course, missing all the obstacles but appearing to enjoy himself much to the crowd's amusement

Actress Rula Lenska (left) with Carpathian-Mioritic cross Kratu and handler Tessa Eagle Swan (left). He is believed to be the first ever Romanian rescue support dog, and one of very few to have been allowed in the European Parliament building

As the crowd laughed at the mishap, the dog dived into the tunnel obstacle and refused to leave.

The course commentator could be heard laughing and said 'he is a bit of a character'.

Tessa finally convinced Kratu out with the audience's applause, but he then started to dart around the course with great excitement.

After another minute of side-splitting entertainment, the hilarious hound finally crossed the line and ran for the exit.

He then takes a break in one of the tunnel obstacles, as Tessa tries to coax him out so that they can finish the course

Kratu runs up to barrier excitedly as the crowd applaud the shocking performance. One commentator can be heard saying 'he certainly is a character'

The first ever Romanian rescue assistant dog, Kratu was brought to the UK to be treated after a 'traumatic' start to life, and received behavioural training at Wood Green animal centre

The first ever Romanian rescue assistant dog, Kratu was brought to the UK to be treated after a 'traumatic' start to life, and received behavioural training at Wood Green animal centre.

Tessa took the dog into her care throughout his training, and although very 'stubborn' at first he came under control.

Tessa pictured with rescue support dog Kratu at Crufts in 2018. He did not compete but was said to have 'enjoyed himself immensely'

Last year Kratu become one of very few support dogs to be allowed into the European Parliament, and is now an ambassador for support-dog training.

Trainer Tessa, who has three other dogs, Raffy, Paqo and Polo, said she was incredibly proud of how far Kratu had come.

Tessa said: 'We rescued Kratu when he was a few weeks old from a very dangerous situation. He went in to foster with my friend and I would talk to him using Whatsapp.

'I used to sing him songs and send him voice messages. When he arrived back with me in the UK he was familiar with my voice and we bonded instantly.'

Tessa took Kratu for behavioural training at Wood Green animal charity with her three other dogs.

'As a teenager he was incredibly hard to train! He was so stubborn and determined to do what he wanted,' continued Tessa.

'He is such a big character who will try to do what he wants rather than what I am asking. He is challenging and quite determined.

Last year Kratu become one of very few support dogs to be allowed into the European Parliament, and is now an ambassador for support-dog training

Trainer Tessa, who has three other dogs, Raffy, Paqo and Polo, said she was incredibly proud of how far Kratu had come

'Some dogs that have traumatic pasts, especially many overseas ones, need a lot more care and rehabilitation.

'I believe in all rescue dogs having an education with kind reward-based training and if needed behavioural work in order to be able to become happy balanced dogs.

'I have struggled maintaining friendships and relationships especially with family. Finally in my life someone understands me, doesn’t judge me for being different. I feel Kratu with my heart.'

In his spare time Kratu likes playing bows, sitting on Tessa's (or anyone else's) knee, and hiding under clothes when squealing.