This is a photo from last year in the CRUFTS ring.
For dog lovers for breeders for those who want to witness a wonderful show starring the dog , the Crufts!
Crufts is not just an event: it is the “Super Bowl” of the dog world. Founded in 1891 by Charles Cruft, it has evolved from a modest terrier show to what is now officially the world’s largest dog event. Crufts is now a British institution held annually at the NEC in Birmingham in March.
Organized by The Kennel Club, Crufts is not just a beauty pageant. It is a 360-degree celebration of the relationship between man and dog, lasting four days and culminating in the awarding of the prestigious title of Best in Show.
From March 5 to 8, 2026 at the NEC, Birmingham, UK the event will be held with the following schedule of judging:
Thursday, March 5: Working and Shepherding
Friday, March 6: Terrier and Hound
Saturday, March 7: Utility and Toy
Sunday, March 8: Gundog
Morphological judgments are only one part of the entire event; in fact, Crufts hosts incredible tests of skill that showcase the dogs’ intelligence and athleticism:
Agility: An obstacle course where speed and accuracy are everything.
Flyball: A fast-paced team relay race that gets the audience going crazy.
Heelwork to Music: Basically sport dancing with the dog.
Obedience: A test of discipline at the highest level.
Scruffts: A competition dedicated exclusively to half-breeds, rewarding character and health rather than breed standard.
All of this takes place in adjacent pavilions, to be toured with map in hand, which are well-kept in all aspects lights, carpets, gadgets. Some pavilions are dedicated to booths where you can buy all kinds of products from grooming to dog-themed items.
In short as a visitor it is worth going and paying an entrance fee.
For us breeders, it is the most important dog show of the year, to participate as an exhibitor you must have qualified Crufts in the previous year, and achieving a good result is the greatest gratification you could wish for.
The last year a westies was awarded BEST IN SHOW was 2016: a wonderful little dog Ch Burneze Geordie Girl called DEVON was bred and owned by Marie Burns.
