- Around 27,000 dogs from across the world will head to the NEC in Birmingham on 7th - 10th March
- 22,000 pedigree dogs will compete for the coveted Best in Show prize
- Channel 4 and More4 to broadcast the show as well as the Crufts YouTube livestream
- Top dogs: Best in Show award, heroic Friends for Life winner, Scruffts family crossbreed dog of the year, and agility medals amongst the coveted prizes to be won
Around 27,000 dogs, as well as more than 150,000 dog lovers, will head to the NEC in Birmingham from 7th - 10th March 2019, for the world’s biggest celebration of dogs, Crufts, and tickets are now on sale.
The four-day event, which covers 25 acres at the NEC, will see 22,000 pedigree dogs from around the world compete for the prestigious Best in Show title – from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. The show also sees the UK’s most heroic dogs rewarded in the prestigious Friends for Life competition; the nation’s favourite crossbreeds compete in the Scruffts grand final; and the world’s most athletic canines battling it out in dog sports such as agility.
Channel 4 and More4 are to broadcast the event, with presenter Clare Balding at the helm, and all of the main arena action will be live streamed on the Crufts YouTube channel.
The Best in Group competitions that lead to the Best in Show will see Gundog breeds compete on Thursday 7th March, Working and Pastoral breeds on Friday 8th, Terrier and Hound breeds on Saturday 9th and Utility and Toy breeds on Sunday 10th March. The climax of the show – Best in Show – is held on Sunday evening.
This year, four breeds recently recognised by the Kennel Club will be competing at Crufts for the very first time – the Braque d’Auvergne, Russian Toy, White Swiss Shepherd Dog and Black and Tan Coonhound. These ‘new kids on the block’ will compete in the Imported Breed Register classes where their owners will be hoping they catch the judge’s eye.
One of the most popular aspects of the show is the shopping. As well as watching the many different events and competitions at the show, visitors can enjoy the ultimate doggy shopping experience. At Crufts 2018, 84 per cent of visitors visited the shopping areas, spending over £120 on average during their time at the show, with hundreds of trade stands selling everything and anything for dogs and dog lovers.
Rescue dogs are put in the spotlight at Crufts, including dogs rehomed by Kennel Club Breed Rescue organisations, and the show sees lots of exciting displays and demonstrations throughout its four days.
Visitors to the show will visit the Discover Dogs area, where they will be able to meet around 200 breeds of pedigree dog and find out more about buying the right breed for them. Those attending will also be able to learn about Kennel Club Assured Breeders, who put the health and welfare of their puppies first and foremost and are part of the only scheme in the UK to monitor and inspect dog breeders, and find out about the pioneering projects that the Kennel Club, Animal Health Trust and British Veterinary Association are jointly working on to improve dog health.
Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club, which organises Crufts, said: “Crufts is the greatest dog show in the world and brings thousands of dogs to Birmingham from all over the globe. It’s one huge celebration of our relationship with dogs and all they do for us.
“With so much going on over the four days of the show there is something for everyone – from the Discover Dogs area where people can meet and interact with around 200 breeds to the fabulous shopping and amazing displays and competitions.”
As principal sponsor of Crufts, Eukanuba’s Brand Manager, George Udrea commented: “We’re very excited to be returning to the world’s biggest and most popular dog show. Not only is it a great opportunity for dog lovers to come together and celebrate the special relationship they have with their canine companion, whether they are working dogs, assistance dogs or family pets, but it’s also the perfect place to learn more about the impact premium nutrition can have in supporting optimal body condition for lifelong wellbeing together.”
For more information and tickets visit www.crufts.org.uk.