The skeleton of a long-lost British sea-faring pet has gone on display at Crufts after being discovered on the ill-fated Mary Rose warship.

Hatch, as the pet dog has been nicknamed, was on board Henry VIII's ship when it sank in 1545 while defending England from a French invasion force.

The sea dog is thought to be the ship's only female crew member and was brought on board to keep the rat problem at bay. Cats were not supposed to travel on ships as superstitious Tudor seafarers thought they brought bad luck.

Experts believe the pet dog was between 18 months and two years old when the Mary Rose sank, and think Hatch probably spent most of her life at sea.

Mary Rose Trust chief executive John Lippiett said: "We are delighted to bring Hatch, the world’s oldest lost sea dog, to the world’s premier dog show, so that visitors can meet an ancestor of their much loved pets."

Caroline Kisko of the Kennel Club said she was delighted the pet dog would be appearing at the competition.

"After nearly 500 years of loyal service she is due a little shore leave," she said.