6-9 March 2025, The NEC Birmingham

Scruffts

Scruffts, sponsored by James Wellbeloved, is the nation’s favourite crossbreed competition and is a great way to enjoy time with your dog and family! While the emphasis is on fun, Scruffts also seeks to stress important messages relating to responsible dog ownership.

Find out everything you need to know below about eligibility, competing and entering a Scruffts heat.

Eligibility for entry
  • Scruffts is a competition for crossbreed dogs only. (As of 1 April 2016, The Kennel Club has recognised the Jack Russell Terrier as a pedigree breed. Therefore Jack Russell Terriers who are fully registered with The Kennel Club will not be eligible for Scruffts)
  • Dogs must be over 6 months of age to enter a Scruffts class
  • 1st place winners in each class are eligible for the semi final at Crufts
  • Dogs over 12 years of age who wish to enter the class golden oldie will be subject to the show organisers’ discretion
  • Under the law docked dogs are not permitted to enter Scruffts
  • Scruffts rosettes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each class. However, in the event of a 1st place winner not being able to attend the final, or having already qualified, then 2nd place winners will be invited to attend in their place
  • Classes may be restricted to 40 per class, dependent on show organisers/ring programmes or other factors, including the weather
  • It is Crufts regulation that dyed dogs are not permitted to compete at the show, therefore any dyed dogs entering any Scruffts heats would not be able to proceed further in the competition

No dog should compete in the Scruffts competition if it has been subject to a Court Control Order or a Contingent Destruction Order under the Dogs Act 1871 or the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act, or to any other equivalent and/or relevant dog control measure. A dog owner may be required to assist The Kennel Club in verification of this aspect from time to time.

No dog should be in attendance at a Scruffts heat where they fall under the criteria outlined within the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 for banned types, unless they have a valid Certificate of Exemption and comply with all government rules for legal ownership of a banned type - which includes ensuring that they are wearing a muzzle, kept on a lead, neutered and have third party liability insurance. Event organisers have the discretionary right to refuse a dog entry if they have concerns about a dog’s legal eligibility.

How to enter heats 2024

Payment will be taken on the day of the event with entry being £2 per class*. Due to restrictions, we will only be accepting 40 dogs per class.

Classes

  • Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog (6 months – 8 years)
  • Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch (6 months – 8 years)
  • Golden Oldie Crossbreed (8+ years)
  • GCDS Crossbreed Class (for entrants that have a GCDS certificate at any level)

*This does not cover entry to the event itself. Please see event websites below for entry information.

2024 heats for finals being held at Crufts 2025

Heats are held throughout the year around the country, in search of crossbreeds with that extra special something. They’re supported by pet food makers James Wellbeloved

Show and Location Date, Registration from and Judging starts 

Newbury - All About Dogs Shows 

Newbury Showground, Hermitage, Thatcham, RG18 9QZ 

14 April 2024

11am 

12:30pm

Newark - All About Dogs Shows 

Newark Showground, Newark, Notts, NG24 2NY

21 April 2024

11am 

12:30pm

Hylands Park - All About Dogs Shows 

Hylands Park, Greenbury Way, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8FS

5 May 2024

11am 

12:30pm

The North East Dog Festival

Kirkley Hall, Newcastle, NE20 0AQ

31 August 2024

11am

12:30pm

Kent - Paws in the Park 

The Kent Showground, Delting, Kent, ME14 3JF

15 September 2024

11am 

12:30pm

Royal Cornwall Showground - Cornwall Agility Club Open Show 

Whitecross, Wadebridge, PL27 7JE

22 September 2024

11am

12:30pm

Hot weather
  • If your dog looks like they’re struggling in the heat, head to the nearest shaded area (this includes our marquee) and alert a member of the show organiser team. Owners should be aware of the signs of heat stress and how to keep your dog cool. Some dogs are more prone than others (e.g. those with short, flat faces, overweight, old or young dogs, as well as those with thick coats)
  • Be aware of the signs of overheating in dogs, which include panting, disorientation, excessive thirst, dark gums, vomiting, diarrhoea and losing consciousness
  • In the event that the events team and the trainers feel the conditions are not conducive to dogs’ welfare, we reserve the right to cancel the event at short notice

Contact us

If you have any queries, please call the Scruffts hotline number (01296 318540), which is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, please email scruffts@thekennelclub.org.uk.