Who Let The Dogs Out - Crufts Time!
Mr and Mrs Charles Cruft in 1933. Photo courtesy of the Kennel Club.
It’s almost Crufts time again. The biggest dog show in the world is coming to the Birmingham NEC from Thursday 7 March – Sunday 10 March 2024.
Preview by Ann Evans
An amazing 24,000 dogs will be heading for the arenas - their owners all hoping to grab that coveted prize of Best in Show! And if attendances are anything like last year, around 155,000 visitors will be heading along to see who wins too - and to enjoy a great day out!
However, don’t think the show is just for pedigree pooches. Lots of crossbreeds and family pets will be taking part in competitions and demonstrations. There’s agility, flyball, obedience, Kennel Club Good Citizen Schemes, Heelwork to Music and much more – plus, there’s the final of Scruffts – the nation’s favourite crossbreed competition on the Saturday.
Winners of the 2023 show. Photo courtesy of Tysall's Photography.
You can discover more about dog breeds at the Discover Dogs area which hosts over 200 breeds of pedigree dog. It’s the perfect opportunity if you want to know more about a particular breed as owners and breeders will be there to chat to you. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Discover Dogs.
A very special event takes place on Sunday 10 March prior to the Best in Show, and that’s the final of the Kennel Club Hero Dog Award. The short list of amazing dogs who have a very special bond with their owner, is now on the Crufts website. Watch their specially filmed videos to discover their heartwarming stories and vote for your favourite. The winner will be announced on Sunday at Crufts. Details here: https://crufts.org.uk/whats-on/the-kennel-club-hero-dog-award/
Hundreds of trade stands to browse. Photo courtesy of Tysall's Photography.
There are hundreds of trade stands awaiting you, offering a diverse array of products and services – you’ll find just about everything a dog lover could wish for. From dog bedding to nutrition; dog walking clothing – for you and the dog; harnesses and dog toys; dog-themed home furnishings, jewellery, paintings, pictures, ornaments – everything! You will be spoilt for choice!
As well as shopping and showing, there’s stacks of great entertainment with displays of obedience, agility, heelwork to music and the excitement of Flyball. And so many gorgeous dogs to see as you meander through the halls.
Chilling after winning a 3rd place in class. Photo courtesy of Tysall's Photography.
Of course, there are all the show rings, where the 200 different breeds of dog will be strutting their stuff in the hope of being top dog in their own breed and class, before moving forward towards the goal of making it to the Best in Show Final and ultimately taking the incredible title of Best in Show.
Please note that you can’t take your pet dog unless it’s taking part in the show or is an assistance dog. Contact the show beforehand. For info and to get your tickets: https://crufts.org.uk/
