The nation’s favourite celebration of dogs is back – and set to be bigger than ever – as Crufts returns to the NEC Birmingham from today until Sunday.
Organised by The Kennel Club, the four-day event will once again welcome more than 20,000 dogs, showcasing everything from world-class competition to fun with our four-legged-friends, and celebrating the diversity, talent and companionship that our canine companions can bring.
Crufts 2026 will, for the first time, see the addition of Hall 8 as the new home of the Young Kennel Club (YKC) – a vibrant and inspiring space dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dog lovers and handlers. The new hall will also play host to brand-new dog grooming competitions, showcasing the artistry and precision of top dog grooming talent from all over the world.
In another first, Crufts 2026 will introduce a two-day weekday ticket (valid for Thursday and Friday), giving visitors even more time to explore the show, alongside a Fast-Track Arena Seating ticket, available for Friday or Saturday, which includes reserved seating in the main arena for unbeatable views of the action – without the queues.
In the popular Discover Dogs zone, visitors can meet and learn about over 200 breeds – including newly-recognised breeds on the Imported Breed Register such as the Hungarian Mudi, Icelandic Sheepdog and Pyrenean Mastiff. Breed experts will be on hand to share advice on temperament, training and care, helping visitors find the right match for their lifestyle.
Each day of Crufts builds towards Sunday evening’s world-famous Best in Show final, when one dog takes the most coveted title in the canine world, with the group schedule planned as:
- Thursday 5 March: Working & Pastoral Groups
- Friday 6 March: Terrier & Hound Groups
- Saturday 7 March: Utility & Toy Groups
- Sunday 8 March: Gundog Group and Best in Show Final
Also on Sunday, one inspirational companion will be crowned winner of The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, celebrating unsung canine heroes, while some of the nation’s beloved crossbreeds will be vying for the top spot in the Scruffts final on Saturday.
Throughout the show, Crufts 2026 will offer plenty of entertainment and education opportunities – from the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme and Dog Activities Ring with ‘have-a-go’ sessions, to displays from Medical Detection Dogs and West Midlands Police Dogs. The Stand Up to Cancer Crufts Walkies Challenge also returns, encouraging thousands of dog owners nationwide to walk 60 miles in April 2026 and raise vital funds for life-saving cancer research.
Catherine Guiver, Head of Events at The Kennel Club, which organises Crufts said: “Crufts 2026 promises to be our biggest and most exciting show yet. With the new hall, dog grooming showcase and flexible ticket options, visitors can experience even more of what makes Crufts so special. Whether you come to cheer on the champions, discover a new breed or simply celebrate your love of dogs, there’s nowhere quite like Crufts.”
Over the four days Crufts welcomes over 20,000 dogs, 150,000 people and sees over 8 million TV viewers tune into the Channel 4, More4 and All4 broadcast. All the action is also live streamed on the official Crufts YouTube channel.
