Crufts 2026: Everything You Need to Know About the Greatest Dog Show

Perhaps you’re new to Crufts. Perhaps your only experience of Crufts thus far is clicking ‘like’ on pictures of dogs with hair more fabulous than you. Perhaps you’re not really sure what Crufts is, and at this point, you’re too afraid to ask. Fear not, we’re here to answer your questions.

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What is Crufts?

The largest event of its kind in the world. Crufts is an internationally recognised dog show that attracts competitors and viewers from all over the world.

The competition will host 130,000 humans and and 24,000 dogs. Last year, 9 million viewers tuned in from around the world. The 2026 event will of course feature the famed ‘Best In Show’ competition – where the top dog from each breed group competes to win best overall dog (even though they’re obviously all the best dog). There’s heelwork to music (some people like to refer to it as dog dancing and it’s incredible). There‘s also obedience, agility, Flyball, (a kind of team relay race) and plenty of other competitions. There are displays from dog groups, opportunities for young handlers to show off their skills and the heartwarming Kennel Club Hero Dog Awards, which recognises pups from around the UK who help their parents and handlers overcome big hurdles.

Crufts 2025 Best in Show winner

Last year’s winner of the prestigious Best in Show competition was Miuccia, an absolutely adorable, four-year-old Whippet from Italy. She beat out 18,000 other dogs to win. Viking, a Tibetan Mastiff from Romania, came second.

What are the Crufts 2026 dates?

Crufts this year kicks off on Thursday 5 March and continues through until Sunday 8 March when the ‘Best in Show’ competition is held.

Why is Crufts called Crufts?

Despite ‘cruft’ sounding like the bark of a very posh dog, disappointingly Crufts is not a dog show that they let dogs name. Instead, it was started in 1891 by a guy called Charles Cruft who decided to eschew the family jewellery business and instead became office boy to a company that made ‘dog cakes’ and went on to become the world’s first large-scale manufacturer of dog biscuits. While travelling Europe promoting and selling Spratt’s dog biscuits, Charles was invited to run a number of dog shows and became secretary to several dog breed clubs. In 1891, his own event ‘Cruft‘s Greatest Dog Show‘ launched, running successfully until his death in 1938 when it was sold to The Kennel Club who continue to run it today.

Interestingly, Charles and his wife claimed they never owned a dog for fear of showing favouritism for a particular breed. “We were determined to own a pet, so we took the least line of resistance and kept a – CAT!” Emma Cruft wrote in her book. However, when Charles‘s memoirs were published posthumously, it emerged that he had owned at least one Saint Bernard and had lived in households with Alsatians and Borzois. Can’t keep a pet parent away from their pups.

How old is Crufts dog show?

For those of you who can’t be bothered with the maths (we feel you), Crufts will turn 135 this year.

What do Crufts winners get?

What do you win if your dog wins Best in Show? Erm, honour? Worldwide recognition? International fame and glory? What more could you want? Seriously though, don’t get into dog showing for the cash, 2023 winner Orca is reported to have walked away with £200 and a silver trophy. A spokesperson for The Kennel Club told Birmingham Live last year that “for the vast majority of breeders, it is about the prestige, not the money”. Hmm, wonder if landlords accept prestige as rent money?

Who presents Crufts?

Of course Clare Balding will be returning as lead presenter. Clare has headed up the TV coverage of Crufts on and off for both the BBC and Channel 4 since 2004. 

Joining her in 2026 are Her Royal Traitoress Claudia Winkleman (“I absolutely love dogs and there is literally nowhere else on earth I’d rather be,” she says of her appointment), Paralympian Ellie Simmonds, presenter Radzi Chinyanganya and resident vet Dr Paul Manktelow.

Which breeds will be at Crufts?

If your heart belongs to a specific breed then it’s probably best you visit or tune in on their specific group day. Thursday is for Working and Pastoral dogs, Friday is Terrier and Hound day, Saturday is Utility and Toy day and Sunday is Gundog day.

There are 18,698 dogs entered this year (a record!) and chances are, if you love a specific bread, they‘ll be there. From the unusual (there‘s three Komondors entered) to the fan favourites (547 Golden Retrievers, yes please), there’s definitely a pup for everyone.

Where is Crufts this year?

Same place as always baby; the ever-glam Birmingham NEC, just off junction 6 on the M42 motorway. Specifically, it’s held in the bp pulse LIVE arena.

Crufts parking

Here‘s a handy little tip for those driving to the event: if you pre-book your parking at the NEC, you save £5. Granted, £13.95 compared to £18.95 still seems a little steep but every little helps. Voucher codes for specific events are rare but by all means, check on Google, social media and even ChatGPT in case you get lucky.

How much are Crufts tickets?

At a time we’re used to shelling out upwards of £100 for big events, you’ll be pleased to know that general admission day tickets for Crufts start at £27.50 with discounts for children, seniors and students. Best in Show tickets on the Sunday cost between £23.25–£317.25.

There are hospitality options available which include lunch, breakfast, afternoon tea with prosecco, reserved seating to watch the events in the ring, free tea, coffee and juice throughout the day and fast track queuing. 

Can I take my dog to Crufts?

Sadly, no. Crufts attendance is reserved for those dogs who are taking part in the show – and for assistance dogs of course. Trust us on this though, there are very few places at Crufts that you can turn without seeing a pup and plenty of their pet parents are open to visitors having a stroke – just ask first! It‘s worth remembering that Crufts is a hugely overwhelming place for dogs – can you imagine your dog with the scent of 24,000 others to feast their nostrils on? So don‘t be offended if some of the dogs you meet aren‘t in a sociable mood.

Is Crufts on TV and which channel?

Yes! From 5 March through to 8 March, there’s Crufts on TV every day on Channel 4 from 3pm on the Thursday and Friday, 2:30pm on the Saturday and 2:30pm on the Sunday. The Best in Show competition is on Channel 4 live (anything could happen!) from 7-9pm on Sunday 8 March.

Viewers outside the UK can catch the action on Crufts YouTube channel. 

Who sponsors Crufts?

The pet nutrition experts over at Royal Canin are longtime sponsors of the show thanks to their partnership with the Kennel Club. If you’re going to the event, head over to their stand for tailored and specific advice from their experts on making sure your pup is getting the nutrients it needs (and the chance to win your pup a prize). 

Elsewhere in Kennel Club partners there are the lads at James Wellbeloved who make wholesome, delicious, naturally healthy and naturally hypoallergenic food to help your pet eat better and live better.

Other sponsors include Skoda, Agria Pet Insurance, Eukanuba, Butternut Box and Kennel Club Pet Insurance.