Crufts
Region
Europe
Timing
March (Typically)
Dates
2026
Thursday
Feb
19
- 23
Feb
Overview
The Crufts Dog Show, organized by The Kennel Club, returns to the NEC Birmingham as the world’s largest and most prestigious celebration of dogs. Since 1891, Crufts has grown into a four-day festival showcasing pedigree dogs, agility and obedience competitions, and innovations in canine care, drawing breeders, trainers, and dog lovers from across the globe.
HIGHLIGHTS
🐾 Best in Show – The pinnacle event crowns one dog as the ultimate champion, a title that has become synonymous with canine excellence.
🏆 Competitions Beyond the Ring – Agility, flyball, obedience, and heelwork to music showcase the diverse talents and athleticism of dogs across breeds.
🌟 Discover Dogs – A favorite for families, this feature allows visitors to meet and learn about hundreds of breeds, fostering education and responsible ownership.
🛍️ Exhibitor Hall – With hundreds of stalls, Crufts is a marketplace for the latest in pet nutrition, grooming, training, and lifestyle products.
🌍 Global Reach – Dogs and handlers from around the world compete, underscoring Crufts’ role as an international benchmark in the dog show world.
INSIGHTS
Event General Timing
Annually held for 4 days in early March, always Thursday – Sunday. (Same Day of Week)
Venue Selection
Consistently held at the NEC in Birmingham.
Application Deadlines
Dog entry/application deadlines fall in the late Fall (Friday).
Ticket Availability
Tickets usually available 3-4 months prior.
Event Preview Dates
The first day is the official start of competition/trade show.
The Crufts Dog Show, organized by The Kennel Club, returns to the NEC Birmingham as the world’s largest and most prestigious celebration of dogs. Since 1891, Crufts has grown into a four-day festival showcasing pedigree dogs, agility and obedience competitions, and innovations in canine care, drawing breeders, trainers, and dog lovers from across the globe.


