THIS splendid looking dog is Maiha — a Weimaraner pictured in the spring bluebells at Rivington.

She is the much loved pet of Stephen Green and just like all Weimaraners is "crazy" he explains.

The breed is renowned for its boundless energy and Maiha (a Japanese name) is no exception. She loves nothing more than to go for long walks (other than spending time with people).

"She doesn't realise she is a dog, I think she believes she is human," says Stephen who says that Maiha loves cuddling up on the sofa and spending time with him while he works from his Westhoughton home.

Maiha came, as a puppy, to live with Stephen and his wife Lesley. Sadly Lesley, who started the Vision Aid national charity for the visually impaired in Bolton, died in 2010 and Maiha helped Stephen through his grief.

"She kept me sane through it all and I wouldn't be without her," says Stephen, who explains that Maiha celebrated her fifth birthday this week with plenty of photographs of her on the Facebook group Weimaraner UK.

Weimaraners are not easy dogs to care for and need plenty of attention and exercise says Stephen who hopes anyone interested in taking one on will do their homework first. "They are not easy dogs to own as they are crazy but if you give them plenty of exercise and spend a lot of time with them they can be very rewarding," he says.

They were originally bred as hunting dogs and came from the German town of Weimar.

Their striking good looks and friendly personalities make them popular and the Facebook group, dedicated to the breed, has 2,677 members.

Stephen and Lesley got Maiha as a companion for their other dog, who has since died of old age.

Maiha is a bundle of fun who brings a lot of happiness to Stephen and his two daughters.