Boxer Boss is Cannes' top canine

A boxer called Boss has won the Palm Dog prize for best cinematic canine at the Cannes Film Festival.

The dog, who appeared in Tamara Drewe and sparked off a deadly stampede of cows, was called a "complete superstar" by the award organiser.

Boss saw off competition from other movie pooches including an Irish Wolfhound who appears in Robin Hood, which opened the film gala.

It is the 10th year that the unofficial prize has been handed out.

Organiser Toby Rose said Boss was "crucial at innumerable plot moments and was the doggy denouement of the film".

His pivotal role in British director Stephen Frears' film was a major factor influencing his win, added Mr Rose.

The producer of Tamara Drewe collected the award - a rhinestone collar with the words Palm Dog stitched on it.

Last year a 3D dog from Disney animation Up trotted off with the honour, while in 2003 a chalk outline pooch from the film Dogville was declared the winner.