Crufts 2026 - entries closing soon

Exhibitors are reminded that online entries close on Monday 19^th January (up until midnight) for dogs which have qualified for the show. Postal entries have already closed.

The venue will be the NEC Birmingham, and the Working and Pastoral groups will be shown on Thursday 5th March; Terrier and Hounds on Friday 6th, Utility and Toy on Saturday 7th and Gundogs on Sunday 8^th.

Best in Show will be judged on Sunday evening by Dr Tamás Jakkel (Hungary). Last year saw over 18,500 dogs competing for Best in Show, with the most overseas dogs entered than ever before – 3,952 dogs from 50 countries. Crufts 2026 will, for the first time, see the addition of Hall 8 as the brand-new home of the Young Kennel Club (YKC) – a vibrant and inspiring space dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dog lovers and handlers. The new hall will also play host to a brand-new dog grooming competition, showcasing the artistry and precision of top dog grooming talent from all over the world.

The Junior Warrant final and Breeders competition will take place on the Thursday, and the Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling competition and Vulnerable Breed final on the Friday.

In the popular Discover Dogs zone, visitors can meet and learn about over 200 breeds – including three newly-recognised breeds on the Imported Breed Register - Hungarian Mudi, Icelandic Sheepdog and Pyrenean Mastiff. Over in the breed rings, Bolognese, Coton de Tulear, German Pinscher and Japanese Akita Inu have Challenge Certificates (CCs) for the first time while Russian Toy Terrier exhibitors have breed classes scheduled for the first time. 

The entry fee for breed classes is £40 per dog, with subsequent entries free. Full details of fees for the Gamekeepers’ classes including Working Gundog classes and Young Kennel Club stakes classes are given in the schedule along with admission prices.

As in previous years, special permission has been given to Crufts for the award of Reserve Best in Show to be given out immediately prior to the award of Best in Show.

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Crufts is an absolute must on the canine calendar and looks set to be better than ever with a new hall and grooming competitions. This year will once again be a true celebration of dogs with more than 200 pedigree breeds on show. We are, as usual, looking forward to welcoming our loyal exhibitors to the show.”

The Crufts schedule is available at fossedata.co.uk where entries can be made online. To find out more about Crufts and for tickets to the show, visit crufts.org.uk