Crufts 2026 Schedule Overview
Crufts is back from Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the NEC in Birmingham, marking the 35th year at this iconic location. The event will feature over 18,000 dogs competing in various categories, showcasing the best of canine talent.
Daily Competitions
The schedule kicks off on March 5 with the Working and Pastoral groups. The first scheduled competition is set for 8:15 AM, with doors opening at the same time each day. Events will continue until 8:05 PM daily, except for Sunday, when activities will last until 8:30 PM.
On March 6, the Terrier and Hound groups will take center stage, with Terrier group judging at 6:25 PM and Hound group judging following at 7:15 PM. The excitement continues on March 7 with the Utility and Toy groups.
Finale and Highlights
The event will culminate on March 8 with the Gundog group and the highly anticipated Best in Show announcement at 8:30 PM. This year, Claudia Winkleman joins the Crufts team, bringing her enthusiasm to the event.
In addition to group judging, attendees can look forward to competitions such as the Agility Crufts Novice Cup and the Heelwork to Music competition, adding to the diverse array of events.
Crufts is an annual event celebrating dog breeds and competitions, and it has become a staple in the dog show calendar. Terriers have historically been the second-most successful group at Crufts, accounting for 22 Best in Show wins, while Hounds have contributed 13 winners, including last year’s champion, the Italian Whippet Miuccia.
With a full schedule and a variety of competitions, Crufts 2026 promises to be an exciting celebration of canine excellence. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional events or changes to the schedule as the date approaches.