You’ve almost definitely heard of Crufts if you are a dog lover since it’s the largest dog show in the world. This prestigious dog show hosted in the UK boasts not only its famous dog competitions but also a wide range of dog products to treat your pooch. From the Crufts tickets price to how to get to Crufts, here’s your complete guide to Crufts!
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Crufts in a Nutshell
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Crufts Tickets Price
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The Crufts Schedule
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Crufts Categories
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Crufts Events
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Plan Your Visit to Crufts
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Shopping at Crufts
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What to Wear
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What to Bring
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Getting to Crufts
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Accessibility
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Can’t Make It? Watch Crufts on TV!
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How to Compete in Crufts
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Enjoy the Biggest Dog Show in the World with Pawdaw
Crufts in a Nutshell
Crufts is the largest dog show in the world, spanning 5 event halls and the Resort World of Birmingham National Exhibition Centre (NEC). Although you may know Crufts for its esteemed Best in Show award, it’s not just another dog show.
Each year, more than 500 trade stalls are packed into Birmingham NEC, showcasing their unique and wonderful dog products. From treats to toys and grooming products, you can find everything and anything at Crufts!
Crufts Tickets Price
As with most events, purchasing advanced tickets will save you the most money. Advanced tickets can be purchased online with prices ranging from £14-£21. Children under 8 go for free, so why not make it a fun day out for the whole family?
There are also weekday and weekend tickets, so make sure you take a look at the Crufts schedule before you purchase your tickets to ensure you don’t miss out on your favourite shows. If you haven’t bought a ticket in advance but still want to go to Crufts, don’t worry! The Crufts tickets price on the door ranges from £17-£29.
The Crufts Schedule
The Crufts opening times are generally 9am-9pm. This is subject to change so you should check the Crufts programme online before making your plans. Aside from the hundreds of trade stalls available at Crufts, there are, of course, the famous dog competitions. There are various events, including:
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Breed Judging
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Agility
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Flyball
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Heelwork to Music
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Obedience
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Young Kennel Club
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Working Gundogs Events
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Scruffts
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Police Dog Displays
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And more…
For more information about the Crufts schedule, take a look at the Crufts programme.
Crufts Categories
Each event is split into several different breed categories. The winners of Best in Breed in their own categories will then compete for Best in Show. The seven breed groups in Crufts are:
Toy
Examples: Bichon Frise, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Pug
These dogs are known as great companions to their owners!
Gundogs
Examples: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel
These pups were originally bred for retrieving game.
Utility
Examples: Poodles, Dalmations, Schnauzers
This category is a broad mixture of pups originally bred for multiple different purposes.
Hounds
Examples: Whippet, Greyhound, Dachshunds
The distinctive feature of these dogs is their scent and sight used for hunting.
Working
Examples: Boxers, Dobermans, Malamutes
These dogs were generally bred for guarding, search and rescue or hunting.
Pastoral
Examples: Collies, German Shepherd, Corgi
This category is a collection of pups that were bred for herding and working with livestock.
Terriers
Examples: Border Terriers, Jack Russell Terriers, Fox Terriers
Terriers are known for hunting vermin!
Crufts Events
There are a range of events you can go and see during Crufts. From the well-known breed judging to Scrfuts, here are all the events you could see at Crufts.
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Breed Judging: As the name suggests, this event judges each breed based on how well they conform to the “breed standard”. Winners of Best in Breed will have the opportunity to compete in Best in Show.
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Agility: When you think of dog shows, you probably think of an agility course. This is where dogs complete an obstacle course, showing off their speed and agility.
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Obedience: This event judges a pup’s ability to follow commands and demonstrate various tasks.
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Flyball: If you want to see just how fast a dog can run, flyball is for you! This four-dog relay race has pups jumping hurdles and collecting tennis balls.
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Heelwork to Music: The most creative out of all the events, Heelwork to Music sees dogs and their owners perform a choreographed routine set to music.
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Young Kennel Club: Young dog lovers also get their moment to shine in the Young Kennel Club events. With various events such as handling and agility, young dog lovers can show off their skills too.
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Working Gundogs: Split into two categories, the Working Gundog event consists of Gamekeeper and Working Gundog classes.
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Scruffts: It’s not all about the pedigrees! Cross-breeds are also recognised in the Scruffts events, including Most Handsome Dog, Prettiest Bitch and Golden Oldie.
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The Kennel Club Dog Hero Award: A key event at Crufts is this major award recognising the role dogs can play in an owner’s life and society.
Plan Your Visit to Crufts
With over 500 trader stalls to cover and shows to see, it’s best to plan your visit to ensure you can do everything you want to! Why not make a list of all the stalls you want to see before you go to Crufts so you don’t miss out? Locations of each trader stall can be found on the official Crufts website alongside the full show information.
Additionally, you should take a look at the programme if you want to see specific shows. With each dog breed category taking place over different days, it is a good idea to see what’s on so you don’t miss out on seeing your favourite pups!
Shopping at Crufts
Although Crufts is known for its dog competitions, many visitors also go to the trader stalls. This is a prime opportunity for you to get your pup a treat while you’re at the biggest dog show in the world! To avoid disappointment, take note of the stalls you want to visit the most, as well as their location, so you don’t miss out. You can also purchase Crufts merchandise at the Crufts shop to take a piece of Crufts home with you!
What to Wear
Crufts is a large event spanning 5 exhibition halls. This is why it’s probably best to put some comfortable shoes on as you will be doing a lot of walking, especially if you’re thinking of doing a spot of shopping.
What to Bring
We recommend you take a bag no bigger than A4, as you won’t want to be dragging it around with you all day! Remember, if you’re going to be shopping, you’ll be picking up some goods along the way.
Additionally, there is food and drink available at Crufts, but you are also able to take your own if you would like. Cash machines are available at Birmingham NEC as well.
Getting to Crufts
By Train: You can take a train to Birmingham International Railway Station and take a short walk over to the venue.
By Bus: There are a number of buses that go to Birmingham, including services from Megabus and National Express.
By Car: Simply pop B40 1NT into your sat nav. This will take you to the venue. There will also be Crufts signs around Birmingham NEC to guide you to a Crufts car park. A free shuttle service will take you from the car park to the venue.
Accessibility
Crufts is fully accessible meaning there is wheelchair access in all areas of the venue. If you require any mobility equipment, you can also pre-book this by contacting info@necgroup.ac.uk.
Assistance dogs are allowed at Crufts!
Can’t Make It? Watch Crufts on TV!
If you can’t make it to Crufts, why not watch it on TV? If you are in the UK, you will be able to watch Crufts on Channel 4. You can also watch via the Crufts YouTube Channel.
How to Compete in Crufts
Crufts is not an open competition. This means you must qualify to compete in Crufts. All dogs entries into Crufts are members of The Kennel Club and have won 1st, 2nd or 3rd in a dog show. Events include best in show, reserve best in show or best puppy in show at a general or group open dog show.
If you are interested in competing in Scruffts, your cross-breed pup must be 6 months or older and win a Scruffts class. Winners of these classes will then be invited to compete in the semi-final and finals of Scruffts at Crufts.
Enjoy the Biggest Dog Show in the World with Pawdaw
If you can’t make it to Crufts, why not give your pup the treatment they deserve with Pawdaw? Our grooming collection is the perfect addition to your dog’s spa days. With a conditioning dog shampoo to keep them squeaky clean, a natural dog cologne for a fresh scent and a luxury dog towel to finish off the pamper session, treat your pup to a bathtime filled with luxury today!
Crufts FAQs
How much is a ticket to Crufts?
Crufts tickets prices can range from £14-£21 when you pay in advance. To purchase your tickets, go to the Crufts website for more. Children under 8 go for free!
Can you take dogs to Crufts?
Unfortunately not! No dogs other than those taking part in the event, invited by The Kennel Club or assistance dogs are allowed to enter Crufts.
Can I take my own food into Crufts?
Yes! You are allowed to bring your own snacks and drinks to Crufts but there are also food and drink shops available for you to purchase anything you need.
