New measures for Crufts 2027

We are requesting every breed exhibitor and all judges taking part in Crufts complete a voluntary declaration form in regards to any animal welfare convictions.  

This request is intended to give assurance of the standards we expect of everyone taking part in the competition.

3.   Veterinary checks on all Best of Breed winners

The health and wellbeing of dogs is something we all care deeply about. As part of our ongoing commitment to breed health and welfare, we are strengthening the veterinary checks carried out on all Best of Breed (BOB) winners.

From Crufts 2027, all BOB winners will be required to undergo a Veterinary Health Check in a dedicated Health Screening Centre located in Hall 1, before progressing to the Group competition. The check will focus on the dog's general condition and look for visible signs of health concerns that may cause pain or discomfort. 

This new measure builds on the existing veterinary checks already in place at Crufts and reinforces our shared commitment to the health and welfare of dogs competing at the show.

4.  Greater flexibility for exhibitors  

The measures being introduced ahead of Crufts 2027 build on our existing framework and will protect welfare, integrity and accountability across the show. They form part of an ongoing programme of work to review and strengthen processes, support dog welfare and maintain confidence in Crufts. 

Every breed exhibitor and all judges taking part in Crufts will be requested to declare confirmation that the individual has never been convicted or cautioned for an offence involving animal welfare or breeder licensing.

We will provide further information about how declarations will be completed ahead of the Crufts 2027 entry process.

In line with the law, the declaration is entirely voluntary and choosing not to respond will not affect participation to enter or compete in the show. 

No. We do not receive automatic notification of every animal welfare-related conviction or every court-imposed animal disqualification order.

As a private membership organisation, rather than a public body with a statutory function to maintain criminal records, the Royal Kennel Club does not have access to a comprehensive register of convictions or court orders. The handling and sharing of criminal convictions data is also subject to legal and data protection requirements.

Relevant matters may come to the Royal Kennel Club's attention through reports, third-party referrals, or, in some circumstances, information provided following an investigation by an enforcement authority.

The check will be carried out by a veterinarian in a private space, with the dog accompanied by one person of the exhibitor’s choice. This could be the handler, owner, breeder or anyone else the exhibitor feels is best placed to accompany the dog. It is entirely up to the exhibitor to decide who the dog is most settled and comfortable with. The examination will be non-invasive, similar to a judge going over a dog, and in line with the approach already used for Category 3 Best of Breed checks. It will involve a visual and hands-on assessment of the dog’s general condition, including its movement, eyes, ears, mouth and skin. No veterinary equipment will be used.

The examination itself is expected to take no longer than five minutes, followed by approximately five minutes to complete the paperwork. The whole process should take around 10 minutes, although some checks may be quicker. Exhibitors should allow as much time as possible for the check and their journey to and from the Health Screening Centre before the Group competition.

The full guidance that vets will follow during the Veterinary Health Check is available here.

Once the Veterinary Health Check has been completed, the Best of Breed rosette will be awarded if the dog is deemed to have passed. The exhibitor will then be directed by the show team to the collecting ring in time for the Group competition. Exhibitors and dogs will not need to go straight to the collecting ring if the vet check has been done early in the day. 

Once at the collecting ring for the Group competition, the existing veterinary check will remain in place before dogs enter the main arena. This will include a brief assessment of the dog's head, body and movement to make sure each dog is ready to compete in the Group. This check will focus on obvious visible conditions which could compromise the dog’s performance in the competition. If concerns are identified, the dog will be withdrawn from the competition.

If a dog does not pass the Veterinary Health Check, it will not be permitted to progress to the Group competition. An official will be available to support the exhibitor following the decision and provide guidance on the next steps.

The veterinary decision made on the day will be final, and there will be no right of appeal.

No. The new Veterinary Health Check will follow the guidance used for Category 3 Best of Breed checks. All Best of Breed winners, including Category 3 breeds, will follow the same process, attending the Health Screening Centre for the veterinary assessment before undergoing the existing collecting ring check.

Leading up to the event, we will provide guidance for exhibitors, judges, stewards and volunteers to help everyone understand the process. We appreciate this is a change, and we want to make sure everyone feels informed and supported.

On the day, judges, stewards and show officials will be familiar with the process and able to help exhibitors. Further information will be shared with everyone involved ahead of the event.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact us at health@royalkennelclub.com.