10 Fascinating Facts About Crufts Dog Show

Crufts is the largest annual event organized by The Kennel Club, featuring finals in show categories like obedience, agility, and more. Drawing dog enthusiasts from across the UK and worldwide, it includes thousands of competitors and attendees each year.

Whether you're passionate about dog shows, planning to attend, or simply curious about Crufts' rich history, this guide shares ten captivating facts about this iconic event.

Crufts is the world's oldest and longest-running dog show

First held in 1891, Crufts stands as the oldest dog show globally and remains the largest and most distinguished event of its kind. Its enduring legacy highlights the celebration and development of purebred dogs in the UK.

The show originally focused exclusively on terriers

The inaugural event was called the "First Great Terrier Show." For the first five years, only terrier breeds were allowed to compete. It wasn’t until 1896 that other breeds were welcomed, broadening the event into a multi-breed celebration.

Nearly 28,000 dogs compete at Crufts every year

The sheer scale of Crufts is impressive, with around 28,000 dogs participating across multiple disciplines throughout the four-day event. Competitors vary from young puppies to seasoned veterans, chasing titles in breed, agility, obedience, and other categories.

About 160,000 spectators attend annually

Crufts draws an enormous crowd, with roughly 160,000 attendees expected during the show's four days. Tickets can be bought at the entrance, though many visitors opt to book in advance to secure access to special highlights like the Best in Show final.

Best in Show prize is a modest £200 token

While some may imagine a large cash prize for the Best in Show winner, the amount is £200. However, the primary reward is the recognition and prestige that can boost breeder demand and sponsorships.

Best in Show trophy remains the property of The Kennel Club

The Keddall Memorial Trophy, a solid silver cup, is presented to the Best in Show champion but is kept by The Kennel Club. Winners instead receive a replica to commemorate their achievement.

Breed with the most Best in Show wins: Cocker Spaniel

The Cocker Spaniel holds the record for the highest number of Best in Show titles at Crufts, boasting seven victories. This breed is a perennial crowd favorite and a symbol of the show's tradition.

Leading breeds by number of entrants

According to 2019 competition entries, the Golden Retriever topped the list with 537 dogs entered, followed closely by the Labrador Retriever at 531 and then the Whippet with 416 participants. These figures highlight the popularity of retrievers and sighthounds within the competition.

Crufts paused during the World Wars

The event was suspended between 1918–1920 and 1940–1947 because of World Wars I and II. Since resuming, it has evolved into an annual highlight demonstrating resilience and continuity.

Best in Show competition started in 1928

The coveted Best in Show category was introduced about three decades after Crufts’ launch, becoming the show's most prestigious and eagerly awaited contest.

Planning to attend Crufts 2025

Crufts 2025 is scheduled from Thursday, March 6 to Sunday, March 9, held at the NEC Birmingham, one of the UK's premier venues for this event. Admission starts at £15 for children and £22 for adults, with free entry for kids under 8 years old.

Visitors can enjoy judging for terriers, hounds, utility dogs, toys, gundogs, working, and pastoral groups over four days, leading up to the Best in Show finale on Sunday afternoon.

Additional attractions include agility and obedience contests, police dog demonstrations, medical detection dog showcases, and a Discover Dogs area where attendees can interact with over 200 breeds and speak with breeders about responsible pet ownership.

Booking tickets in advance is advised to guarantee entry, particularly for the highly sought-after Best in Show event. Bringing personal pets is not allowed, except for competitors and service dogs.

Whether you’re competing or attending, Crufts remains a remarkable celebration of dogs and responsible breeding for enthusiasts of all experience levels.

US context note: While Crufts is a spectacular UK dog show, American dog lovers might relate it to prestigious shows like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held annually in New York City, which is older, dating from 1877, and is considered its USA counterpart. The American Kennel Club (AKC) governs dog shows in the US, promoting both conformation and performance events. Popular breeds in the US dog shows include Labrador Retrievers, French Bulldogs, German Shepherds, Goldens, and Bulldogs. These events often emphasize both purebred conformation as well as agility, obedience, and other canine sports, reflecting diverse dog-loving communities.