The Path to Best in Show at Crufts: How a Dog Is Crowned

Crufts is famous for many things - incredible dogs, jaw-dropping agility, the Discover Dogs area, and of course, the crowning of Best in Show.

But how does a dog actually make it to the iconic green carpet? And how does one among thousands win Best in Show?

Whether you’re watching Crufts for the first time or you’re a seasoned dog show fan, understanding the journey to Best in Show makes the final even more exciting. From breed rings to group judging, here’s how dogs progress through Crufts - step by step.

Stage 1: Breed Classes

Where every Best in Show journey begins...

Every dog competing at Crufts starts in the Breed Classes, where they are judged against others of the same breed.

Judges assess each dog against the official breed standard, which describes the ideal characteristics for that breed - including structure, movement, temperament, and balance. Dogs and bitches are judged separately before competing for the top honour at this stage.

🏆 Best of Breed
Only one dog per breed is awarded Best of Breed - and this is their golden ticket to the next stage of Crufts judging.

With over 200 breeds represented at Crufts, some with hundreds of entries, earning Best of Breed is a huge achievement.

Stage 2: Group Judging

The competition gets tougher…

Next up, Best of Breed winners move into Group Judging, where dogs are placed into one of seven breed groups, based on what they were originally bred to do (Gundog, Hound, Pastoral, Terrier, Toy, Utility & Working)

In this stage, dogs are judged against each other, not just their breed standard. Judges are looking for dogs that truly stand out - showing confidence, sound movement, balance, and presence in the ring.

🏆 Group Winner
Only one dog from each group will be crowned Group Winner..  That means just seven dogs progress from thousands of competitors to the final stage- No pressure!

Stage 3: Best in Show

The pinnacle of Dog Showing

The final stage brings together the seven Group Winners, each representing the very best of their group. Here, judges are looking for that extra spark - a dog that combines outstanding quality, effortless movement, confidence, and star presence.

🏆 Best in Show
One dog will be crowned Best in Show at Crufts - the highest and most prestigious award in the world of dog showing.

It’s a moment that celebrates not just one incredible dog, but the dedication, care, and partnership behind them and their handler.