Crufts 2026 entries surpass last year, with strong UK presence and record international participation

Crufts 2026 is set to welcome an impressive 18,698 dogs to the NEC Birmingham from 5-8 March, marking a notable rise of 123 entries on Crufts 2025. The world’s greatest celebration of dogs continues to thrive, with the vast majority of exhibitors proudly homegrown from across the UK, while also achieving a record-breaking level of international participation.

More than 200 pedigree breeds will compete for the coveted Best in Show title, to be awarded live on Channel 4 on Sunday 8 March in the BP Pulse LIVE arena. Audiences can enjoy 17.5 hours of Crufts coverage across Channel 4 and More4, showcasing the very best of British dog breeding, training and handling alongside the event’s vibrant global community.

This year’s show reinforces Crufts’ international appeal, attracting 4,299 overseas entries – the highest in the event’s history. France leads the international contingent with 538 dogs, followed by Italy (436), Germany (425) and the Netherlands (353). Strong entries have also come from Ireland (335), Poland (288), the Czech Republic (231), Belgium (227), Sweden (180) and Spain (166), each contributing to the event’s growing global reach. At the other end of the scale, there are 14 countries represented by a single competitor with dedicated entrants travelling from as far away as New Zealand, Peru and Argentina.

Crufts 2026 is celebrating a particularly encouraging turnout for the 39 British and Irish native breeds listed as vulnerable, with an impressive 2,602 dogs entered across the breed rings. At

a time when these historic breeds face declining population numbers, such a strong presence highlights the dedication of UK breeders, owners and enthusiasts who are working hard to secure their future. Just some of the vulnerable breed entries include 100 Miniature Bull Terriers, 66 Greyhounds, 124 English Setters and 104 Old English Sheepdogs - all testament to the growing commitment to preserving the nation’s canine heritage. Their visibility on the world’s biggest dog stage offers an invaluable opportunity to raise awareness, inspire new admirers and support the long-term survival of these much-loved native breeds.

The Labrador Retriever tops the table with the highest entry in the show with 547 dogs making 586 entries, up 62 on last year. Close behind, the Golden Retriever continues its popularity with 529 dogs making 608 entries, maintaining its position as one of Crufts’ most beloved breeds. The Komondor has the fewest number of dogs entered with 3 dogs represented.

The highest number of dogs in a single breed set to compete in each group are:

· Working: Siberian Husky – 156

· Pastoral: Border Collie – 310

· Terrier: Staffordshire Bull Terrier – 393

· Hound: Whippet – 403

· Utility: Dalmatian – 265

· Toy: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel – 282

· Gundog: Labrador Retriever – 547

Additionally, the following breeds have dogs exceeding 250; Cocker Spaniel (409), Flat Coated Retriever (330), and Shetland Sheepdog (265).

Celebrating 76 years of being televised, Channel 4 and More 4 will broadcast over 17.5 hours* of the event across the show’s four days; the details of times and channels are as follows:

THURSDAY 5 MARCH:

1500-1600 – Channel 4

1830-1930 – More4

1930-2100 – Channel 4

FRIDAY 6 MARCH:

1500-1600 – Channel 4

1830-2100 – More4

SATURDAY 7 MARCH:

1400-1800 – Channel 4

1900-2100 – Channel 4

SUNDAY 8 MARCH:

1530-1800 – Channel 4

1900-2100 - Channel 4 Crufts 2026: Best in Show live.

(*Please note, times subject to change)

In addition to breed class judging, visitors can enjoy watching some of the world’s finest dogs and handlers in action across a range of disciplines including agility, obedience, heelwork to music, flyball and the popular hoopers display, returning for its third year.

The Obedience Championships for dogs will be held on Saturday, with bitches competing on Sunday. In Agility, the Small and Medium Championships take place on Thursday while the Intermediate and Large Championships on the Sunday.

For the first time, the Hungarian Mudi, Icelandic Sheepdog and Pyrenean Mastiff will feature in the Discover Dogs area of the show as newly recognised Royal Kennel Club breeds.

Highlights in the BP Pulse LIVE arena include the Royal Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, celebrating dogs that provide lifetime service, support, love and devotion, and the final of the nation’s favourite crossbreed competition, Scruffts.

Tom Mather, Crufts Chairman, said: “The increase in entries for Crufts 2026 shows just how powerfully this event continues to resonate with dog lovers across the world. Welcoming more than 18,600 dogs - including a record number from overseas - is a remarkable testament to Crufts’ global appeal and the passion of our incredible community. From first time exhibitors to long-standing competitors, the enthusiasm is palpable, and we can’t wait to celebrate the very best of dogs, dedication and joyful competition this March.”

Crufts 2026 also marks a new chapter in the show’s leadership, with Cathy Guiver named as Crufts Show Manager and Debbie Deuchar appointed as Deputy Crufts Show Manager. Cathy has 30 years experience of managing Crufts while Debbie, a successful breed exhibitor and show organiser – alongside an agility, obedience and rally background - has worked with the Royal Kennel Club for 25 years.

The full list of entries in each breed are now available to view here.

More information and tickets for the event are available on the Crufts website. Tickets are free for under 8s, and advance tickets start at £16 for children (aged 9-15) and concessions, and £24 for adults (fees apply). Please note that tickets are only available through our official ticketing partner AXS.