As animal lovers, dogs mean the world to us, and each year fans of our four-legged friends gather at the world’s largest dog show to celebrate all things canine at Crufts!
What is Crufts?
Named in honor of Charles Cruft, who founded the event in 1891 as a marketing tactic for the dog treat manufacturer he worked for, the world’s premiere dog show competition has grown over time to include activities for both pedigree and non-pedigree dogs, and a spotlight for many non-profit organizations.
When is Crufts?
The four-day event usually takes place in early March. (In 2025 dog devotees will gather March 6 – 9 at The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England.)
Breed Judging
Canines in seven categories (Gundogs, Hounds, Pastoral, Terriers, Utility and Working) compete for the coveted Best in Show prize.
Special Abilities
Crufts also offers dogs the chance to show off their skills in the categories of:
Agility: Spectators will cheer on the canine competitors as they charge through tunnels and bound over bars while making their way through the agility course.
Flyball: Fourleggers face off in two teams that will try to be the first back at the starting point with the flyball after completing an obstacle course.
Heelwork To Music: Dogs get the chance to unleash their inner Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers as they perform rhythmic routines with their human partner.
Obedience: Find out which dog is the master of commands!
Obreedience: Teams of breeds display their unique abilities in a series of exercises.
Rally: For both pedigree and non-pedigree dogs, dogs show off skills on a preset course complete with up to 18 stations where the four-pawed participants will perform approximately 180 preset exercises.
Other Activities
Young Kennel Club: The next generation of dog trainers will wow the crowd with all that they have taught to their tail-wagging chums.
The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award: Finalists in five categories will have the opportunity to be named top dog:
- Extraordinary life of a working dog
- Hero support dog
- Best friends
- Child’s champion
- Rescue dog hero
Scruffts
Although Crufts is primarily a presentation of pedigreed pooches, mixed breeds are celebrated though Scruffts. Throughout the year heats are conducted at various venues across England, with finalists for Most Handsome, Prettiest, GCDS (The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme) crossbreed, and Golden Oldie vying for the top prize.
Trade Exhibitors
Over 500 trade booths will be brimming with the latest dog-themed products!
Can’t Make It To Crufts?
If you are unable to travel to England to watch all of the action in person, you can still be a virtual visitor by watching the event on the Crufts YouTube channel!