If you hear that a six-year-old won at Crufts, you’d be forgiven for assuming that the dog was the six-year-old in question.

However, Freddie Osborne, who took home the best veteran accolade, is a child. He entered with his smooth fox terrier, Penny, on March 6th, and won, which wasn’t something he and his family were expecting.

A Crufts spokesperson said that, while they couldn’t definitively say whether Freddie was their youngest-ever winner in Crufts history, he is thought to be one of them. He’s so young that his school had to grant him special permission to have the day off to attend the dog show.

Freddie said that he’d “really enjoyed Crufts,” describing Penny as the “best dog ever,” via BBC News. He added, “Penny and I won best veteran in breed and we are so happy with our rosette. I love walking her and she's really good.”

Before his Crufts victory, Freddie’s mom, Kimberley, said, via BBC News, that her son had “worked really hard and done lots of training at home and other shows,” but that the experience would be “all about having fun”.

Kimberley explained that Freddie – who had a “special step” to put Penny onto the judging table – is eager to help care for Penny and the family’s other dog, Charlie, adding, “He helps with the dogs, he does their food in the morning and it's a responsibility for him."

She said, “I'm really proud that he has got this far,” revealing that she didn’t necessarily expect him to win.

“Penny is old now so she’s a bit past it, but it's more about Freddie being able to go to Crufts and learn about winning and losing, and how to be a graceful loser.”

Crufts ran last week (March 6–9th), and Miuccia the whippet won Best in Show – the first time a dog from Italy has won the award. Meanwhile, Belgian Malinois Baloo won The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award for her work visiting police stations, schools, care homes, and local community groups, years after the retired police dog was hit by a car as a suspect fled a crime scene.

Missing Crufts already? Here are 15 Crufts facts you’ve not heard before in time for next year’s show

While the dog who’s Best in Show takes many of the headlines at Crufts each year, there’s a new winner of The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award competition, too.

Baloo, a retired police dog and Belgian Malinois, was announced as the winner on Sunday (March 9th). The brave dog was a finalist in the Extraordinary Working Dog category alongside her owner, Mandy Chapman, five years after her life changed forever.

In October 2018, Baloo, now aged eight, was on duty and was hit by a suspect’s car as they fled a crime scene. Sadly, she had to have one of her legs amputated, and retired to live with former police dog handler Mandy for a life filled with the best dog toys and treats.

Mandy took Baloo to see the officers at Essex Police who were affected by the incident and these visits began becoming more regular after it was clear just how much they benefitted the mental health of both officers and staff members.

Baloo and Mandy were introduced to the College of Policing team and helped introduce the Oscar Kilo wellbeing and trauma support dogs service, which now boasts more than 250 dogs across the UK. But the pair also visit schools, care homes, Guide and Scout groups, and other groups in the community.

Many said of Baloo and her Crufts 2025 victory, “She is an amazing dog through and through. Despite her disability and the terrible injuries she sustained, she has come through it all so well and finds joy in life, as well as giving joy in life, every single day.

“You can see the difference she makes to people when she goes to see them. She proves that however hard things get, you can get through it. She is super soppy and sharing her is so rewarding, I love every second of it.

“I can see why this competition goes to public vote because who on earth could choose, but thank you to each and every person who has voted for her.”

Baloo’s victory was announced by campaigner Josephine Hamilton and Paralympian Ellie Simmonds after the public cast almost 120,000 votes. They were presented with their award and a cheque for £5,000 ($6,455) from The Kennel Club Charitable Trust for their chosen charity, Essex Retired Police Dog Fund.

The other four Hero Dog Award finalists, golden setter Sharwood, English Setter cross Louis, Pomeranian Rosa, and rescue dog Tilly, all received £1,000 for their chosen charity.

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said, “We congratulate Baloo, our newly crowned winner of The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award. What Baloo has achieved, the courage she has shown, and the support she now gives others is extraordinary. Mandy and Baloo’s incredible bond and the work they do together is inspiring.

“We were honored to celebrate each of our finalists – the companionship these heroic dogs provide to their owners and their contribution in society is remarkable. We thank our finalists for sharing their stories with us – they are all winners and demonstrate exactly why dogs are known as ‘man’s best friend’.”

Missing Crufts already? Why not take a look at the history of Crufts here – or read over our list of Crufts facts you’ve not heard before?

After a busy few days at Crufts 2025, there’s a new Best in Show winner in town.

Miuccia the whippet took the mantle from last year’s winner, Australian Shepherd Viking, after wowing the judges, attendees, and viewers at home with an impressive display.

The four-year-old pup and handler Giovanni Liguori were chosen by top judge Patsy Hollings on Sunday (March 9th) to mark the fourth time a whippet has won the top accolade.

More than 18,000 dogs competed in Crufts in the hope of becoming one of seven in the Best in Show final. The other six to make the cut were Jack Russell Terrier Ana, miniature schnauzer Liza, papillon Sophia, cocker spaniel Suzie, Tibetan Mastiff Viking, and Australian Shepherd Shake.

Liguori said of his and Miuccia’s win, “I am 100% overwhelmed! I couldn’t wish for anything more than this, it’s an incredible surprise. She moved beautifully, so I’m super, super happy.

“It’s an honor to be the first Italian to win Best in Show at Crufts, it’s a very big emotion!”

Viking was awarded Reserve Best in Show along with his handler Gabriele Stafuzza, the first time a Tibetan Mastiff has been Best in Group.

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “Congratulations to Miuccia who helped end this year’s competition on a real high, taking the prestigious Best in Show award alongside her handler, Giovanni Liguori. It has been fantastic to watch their strong relationship together in the ring, and they are truly deserving winners.

“Well done to all of our other wonderful finalists, too. The dogs, their owners, and handlers should be incredibly proud to have taken part in such a momentous final – it’s an incredible achievement, one we are sure they’ll treasure for years to come.

“Crufts is adored by dog lovers from all over the world, and we’ve been delighted to welcome so many competitors from across the globe this year. We’ve celebrated the unique bond between these much-loved dogs and their owners, across a range of competitions and activities. Thank you to everyone involved for making the event what it is today.”

Missing Crufts already? Why not take a look at the history of Crufts here – or read over our list of Crufts facts you’ve not heard before?

Crufts is often referred to as the “greatest dog show in the world”. No longer purely a dog show, Crufts is a yearly event that celebrates every aspect of the roles dogs play in our lives. It’s changed in ways that the founder, Charles Cruft, couldn’t have possibly imagined.

Crufts celebrates all dogs, from working dogs, crossbreeds, rescue dogs and those at the top of their game in a particular sphere. The show is an essential date in any dog lover’s calendar, and Crufts 2025 will be held March 6–9th.

For prospective dog owners and dog lovers, Crufts is now also a prime opportunity to speak to breed experts about how to responsibly buy, rescue, train and enjoy life with a particular breed – some of which they’ll have never heard of. And with hundreds of trade stands selling everything you could ever image, Crufts is now also a four-day shopping extravaganza.

It’s taken many years to develop Crufts into the event we know today, so let’s take a look at how it has evolved...

How did Crufts get its name?

Crufts is named after its founder, Charles Cruft. The young Charles left college in 1876 and took employment with James Spratt who had set up a new venture in London selling “dog cakes”. Spratts became the world's first large-scale manufacturer of dog biscuits.

Charles received a promotion to a travelling salesman and within two years of leaving college, Charles was travelling to Europe. While there, French dog breeders, perhaps seeing entrepreneurial talents in him, invited Charles to organise the promotion of the canine section of the Paris Exhibition.

In 1886, Charles took up the management of the Allied Terrier Club Show at the Royal Aquarium in Westminster, London. In 1891 he booked the first Cruft's show at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, London, and it has been running ever since.

Full history of Crufts

• 1891: The first show with the name “Cruft’s” (note the apostrophe) takes place at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, London, with 2,437 entries across 36 breeds
• 1918-1920: Cruft’s is not held due to World War I

• 1928: Best in Show award starts – the first winner is a Greyhound called Primley Sceptre.
• 1932: First female owner wins Best in Show – Lorna Countess Howe with Labrador Retriever, Bramshaw Bob, who remains to this day the only Dual Champion (winning Show Champion and Field Trial Champion) to win Best in Show at Cruft’s, repeating his win the following year in 1933
• 1936: Charles Cruft celebrates his Golden Jubilee five years early, breaking the 10,000 entries mark for the first time
• 1938: Charles Cruft dies, and his widow, Emma Cruft, takes over the running of the show

• 1940-1947: Cruft’s is not held due to World War II
• 1948: Emma Cruft hands control to The Kennel Club and the show is held at Olympia, London. It proves an immediate success with both exhibitors and the public – 84 breeds are entered, which is almost double the number of breeds at the first show in 1891
• 1950: Cruft’s is first televised by the BBC
• 1952: The death of King George VI threatens the possibility of the cancellation, but the show is allowed to take place two days later
• 1954: An electricians’ strike leads to the show being cancelled – electricians refuse to disconnect the stands from the previous show to make way for Cruft’s
• 1955: Cruft’s becomes an obedience championship show and working sheepdogs are entered, becoming the first crossbreeds to compete at Crufts
• 1961: Entries break the 15,000 mark for the first time
• 1974: Cruft’s changes to Crufts as a rebrand decides that the apostrophe is no longer needed
• 1978: First demonstration of agility
• 1979: The show moves to Earls Court, London, due to increasing entries

• 1980: First official agility competition
• 1982: The show is extended to three days to accommodate the increasing numbers of dogs and spectators
• 1985: The Kennel Club Junior Organisation is launched
• 1987: The show is extended to four days to accommodate further increases in numbers
• 1988: More than 110,000 people come through the doors making Crufts not only the biggest dog show, but also the most popular show to be held at Earls Court
• 1990: First demonstration of flyball
• 1991: Crufts Centenary Show is held at its new venue, the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre to accommodate the growing numbers

• 1994: The Discover Dogs area and Good Citizen Dog Scheme Ring are introduced to promotoe responsible dog ownership
• 2000: Rescue dog agility introduced
• 2001: Crufts moved from March to May due to foot and mouth disease, and the International Agility competition takes place at Crufts for the first time
• 2004: The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award introduced (under a different name)
• 2007: The Resorts World Arena is used for the first time

• 2008: Crufts launches its own Facebook page and canicross is introduced for the first time
• 2009: Following disputes with The Kennel Club over dog welfare, the BBC suspends coverage and Crufts is streamed online for the first time, becoming the most watched channel on YouTube in the UK. The Health Zone is introduced and breed rescue charities are given a high-profile area
• 2010: More4 becomes broadcast partner, providing one hour of footage a night and two hours on Sunday
• 2012: Vet checks for the Best of Breed winners for breeds in category three of The Kennel Club’s Breed Watch system are introduced
• 2013: The final of Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition takes place at Crufts for the first time, and Crufts was broadcast on both More4 and Channel 4
• 2014: Crufts is televised on Channel 4 across three nights for the first time, and Obreedience – a display competition to showcase competitive obedience with different breeds – is launched

• 2016: Crufts celebrates its 125th anniversary, and the first official Obreedience and British & Irish Vulnerable Breeds competitions take place
• 2018: Variety Import breeds can compete for the Best in Show title for the first time
• 2023: Celebrations of The Kennel Club’s 150th Anniversary take place at Crufts with a special anniversary class, and Stand Up To Cancer and Crufts launch the first Walkies challenge raising £1.4million (around $1.8million)
• 2024: Clare Balding celebrates 20 years presenting Crufts, while Discover Dogs marks its 30th anniversary, and Hoopers is displayed for the first time in the Resorts World Arena.
• 2025 – The Young Kennel Club celebrates its 40th anniversary

Want to learn even more about Crufts? Here are our favorite Crufts facts – and here’s how to watch Crufts 2025 live on TV!

It’s one of the biggest events on the canine calendar, and now Crufts 2025 is finally here.

The iconic dog show begins today (Thursday, March 6), but the first-ever canine relay race, designed in collaboration with vet and Olympic silver medallist in the 1,500m Laura Muir, celebrated the start of the show earlier this week.

Six speedy canines took part in the event, designed in the shape of a dog’s face, to highlight the importance of joint care for our pups. Along the journey, they took on a range of challenges inspired by Crufts’ famous agility cause. They worked together to complete the relay race in just 9:01 minutes.

Watch the race

Designed by joint supplement brand YuMove, the event took place after six weeks of training and supplement, with the Joint Effort Challenge helping to encourage dog parents to get their pups staying active.

Meet the YuMover Dream Team

Laura Muir, who graduated with a degree in veterinary medicine from the University of Glasgow in 2018, said, “As a trained vet, I know that keeping joints healthy is a joint effort between pup and pet parent. With the right joint care supplement and plenty of tail-wagging exercise, every dog can live their best, most active life.”

Meanwhile, Fiona Hope, CEO of Lintbells, the makers of YuMove, added, “Watching the agility course at Crufts is always a treat, but we believe every dog has the potential to do incredible things.

“With the right combination of supplementation and movement, dogs across Britain can stay active for their whole lifetime. We hope our YuMover crew inspires dog owners everywhere to get their pups off the couch and into action – because most dogs are happiest when they’re on the move!”

If you’d like to learn more about the Joint Effort Challenge, you can head to YuMove’s website. You can also check how ‘race ready’ your own dog is with a personalized health report and supplement recommendations.

Want to see more action? Here’s how to watch Crufts 2025 live

Crufts is almost here once again, with the world’s largest dog show returning to Birmingham, England, from March 6–9. More than 24,000 dogs are set to be welcomed to Crufts 2025, all vying for the chance to be crowned Best in Show.

It was reported last year that brachycephalic, or flat-faced, dogs – like pugs and French Bulldogs – would need to pass a new breathing test to take part in Crufts 2025, marking the first time that a health test has been mandatory at the dog show.

Jane Ladlow, European and Royal College Specialist in small animal surgery, is attending Crufts this year, and has developed a non-invasive method of assessing airway function in brachycephalic dogs herself, alongside Dr. Nai-Chieh Lui. This led to the creation of The Kennel Club/University of Cambridge Respiratory Function Grading Scheme (RFG), licensed in 15 countries.

She explains that eye tests are currently available at Crufts, as is RFG, which assesses dogs for brachycephalic obstructive airway disease (BOAS), a breathing condition. For the first time, the test is a mandatory entry requirement for all bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and pugs, with dogs at Grade 3 being severely affected and not allowed in the show rings.

While the new rules have been welcomed by vets, Ladlow would still like to see more testing implemented in the future.

“The RFG scheme could be applicable for some of the other brachycephalic dog breeds,” she says. “BOAS is a good disease for health testing as it is common in these brachycephalic breeds and easy to diagnose non-invasively. The eye tests can also be performed to screen for disease and in some breeds with high incidences of heart disease, heart screening is also sensible.”

The non-invasive method Ladlow has developed involves listening to the dog’s airway with a stethoscope before and after an exercise stress test.

“Any noise audible without the stethoscope is classified as clinical BOAS as it is usually associated with clinical signs, such as exercise intolerance, heat intolerance, or regurgitation,” she says. “Mild BOAS is only audible with a stethoscope and is not usually associated with clinical signs.”

For a dog to be at Grade 0, they need to have no airway noise before or after exercise. As a result, they’re considered free from BOAS.

BOAS isn’t the only health problem brachycephalic breeds can face, however, as Ladlow explains. Bulldogs can get entropion – where the eyelid rolls inward – skin disease, aortic or pulmonic stenosis, patella luxation, and tail fold infections. French Bulldogs are susceptible to spinal disease, elbow lateral condylar fractures, ear disease, and eye ulceration – take a look at these common French Bulldog health issues for more information – while pugs can get intervertebral disc disease, spinal malformations, and eye ulceration.

Planning to keep an eye on the famous dog show this year? Here’s how to watch Crufts 2025 live and here are some of our favorite Crufts facts

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

I’ve been showing Irish Setters since I was a teenager and have attended every Crufts – apart from the year it was cancelled during Covid – since then, so it would be fair to say I’ve picked up a few handy tips for visiting Crufts and really making the most of your visit.

I’m now a championship show judge for Irish Setters and have been part of the Channel 4 commentary team for the last five years, doing some presenting, too. I’ve also presented the World Dog Show in Croatia and the European Dog Show in Slovenia.

If you can’t go to the show or didn’t manage to watch everything you wanted to, don’t worry. Channel 4 and More4 are showing more hours of Crufts coverage than ever before this year – we’ve put together a full guide on how to watch Crufts 2025.

My tips for visiting Crufts

1. Head to ‘Discover Dogs’ first

If you want to meet as many dogs as possible, the Discover Dogs area at the back of Hall 3 should be your first port of call. This is where you’ll find representatives of every breed registered by the Kennel Club.

You can meet the dogs, take some super-cute photographs and speak to breeders and owners about what the breed is like to live with. It gets super-busy by lunchtime so make this your first stop.

2. Get a seat in the arena

The arena off Hall 1 is where all the action-packed competitions, such as flyball, heelwork to music, agility and the group judging takes place.

Seats are free (except for during Best in Show on Sunday), but the queues can get lengthy, especially on the weekend.

If you’re not set on a specific competition, I’d make this your second pitstop and soak up the atmosphere.

3. Be prepared to shop!

Honestly you will never have seen so many weird and wonderful doggy items for sale, from canine treadmills to hand-baked treats and high-tech toys. Make sure you pack a few shopping bags as you’re bound to see something you need to take home! There are also lots of stalls for personal shopping, too, from Fairfax & Favour to LeMieux.

4. Always put the dogs first

It may sound obvious but always ask the owners’ permission before you pet a dog or take photos of it. It’s the equivalent of the World Cup for those taking part and you probably wouldn’t ask Ronaldo for a selfie when he was in the tunnel waiting to go on pitch! Most owners will love showing off their dog but asking is courtesy.

5. Look out for freebies

Lots of the dog food stalls have free samples available for your pooch to try at home. There are always games where you can win food and treats, too, so look out for those – they’re usually in Hall 1 and Hall 3.

6. Don’t miss the breed judging

The breed judging takes place in all five halls from early morning to late afternoon when the Best of Breed winners go through to the group judging in the Arena, which is what you hear me commentating for Channel 4.

You can buy a show catalogue when you enter any of the halls and this will tell you which breed is in which ring number.

Classes start with puppies and work up to Open, which is for the top-winning dogs and where you’ll be able to spot lots of champions.

This year I’m commentating on the Terrier, Toy, Pastoral and Gundog groups. You can also follow me on Instagram for my experience this year.

7. Wear comfortable shoes

Crufts is spread over five halls of the NEC and I easily clock up 20,000 steps a day when I’m working at the show. Don’t wear new shoes – worn-in trainers or boots are your friend!

If you need to sit down and can’t find anywhere, head to the back of the halls near the breed judging.

9. Don’t get ‘hangry’

I always take a picnic to Crufts (for me and the dogs if I’m showing!) because all the walking makes you work up an appetite quickly. There are food outlets but they tend to get really busy and are very expensive, so bringing your own is a great plan.

Make sure you don’t crack open the sandwiches next to a breed judging ring, though – the owners won’t thank you!

10. Check out the stars of the future

The Young Kennel Club ring in Hall 3 is like a miniature version of Crufts for young people aged six to 24. They qualify throughout the year to compete in finals for handling, grooming, flyball, agility and obedience and it’s brilliant to watch them compete.

It’s where I started showing and I still remember the buzz of the crowds clapping, so go and show them some support.

Read next: All about the Australian Shepherd breed, which was crowned Crufts Best In Show 2024

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

Crufts 2025 is fast approaching, and as dog lovers, we could not be more excited. Competitions run from Thursday, March 6th, and end on Sunday, March 9th.

This event will see nearly 18,000 dogs all competing to win the Best in Show prize – one of the largest fields in Crufts history. While you can expect to see the classic agility competitions, including a fun Freestyle Heelwork to Music, this dog show is also hosting over 500 trade tables. These tables will feature everything from the best dog toys to the best dog food for dog lovers to shop through.

In this round-up, we've covered everything you need to know about this event including how to watch Crufts on TV. Let's dive in!

What is Crufts?

So what is the Crufts Dog Show all about? Well, as we said 18,000 dogs will travel to compete in the greatest dog show in the world. While the Westminster Dog Show is an iconic event in the United States, the UK’s Crufts is actually a bigger event.

Held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England, this dog show lasts four days. That is four action-packed days of competitions and judging all leading up to the main event, crowning the winner of the Best in Show.

As for the competition events, there will be Agility, Flyball, and Heelwork to Music in addition to all the breed competitions. This is also the time for dog lovers to explore over 200 different breeds. So if you're trying to decide whether a low-maintenance dog breed or a high-energy dog breed is right for you, this is the place to find out.

When is Crufts 2025?

This year, Crufts runs from Thursday to Sunday on March 6–9th.

Day 1 starts off featuring terrier breeds and hound breeds.

Day 2 dives deeper into the competition with Heelwork to Music, Vulnerable Breeds Final, and the Agility Singles. This day also focuses on group judging for utility and toy dog breeds.

Day 3 includes the gundog judging, the Scruffts Finals (which is for cross breeds), and the Southern Golden Retrievers Display.

Day 4 will see the judging of working and pastoral breeds and of course, the crowing of the Best in Show.

How to watch Crufts 2025

If you live in the UK, you're in luck. You can stream the Crufts Dog Show on Channel 4 and More 4 for free. You can also check out Crufts YouTube channel channel for show highlights and a recap on events from last year.

If you happen to be outside of the UK when Crufts is on, you can use a VPN to get your usual coverage from anywhere in the world.

For more information, we have put together a full guide about how to watch Crufts 2025.

Who won Crufts Best in Show in 2024?

In 2024, the Best in Show winner was an Australian Shepherd named Dialynne. Other past winners were as follows:

Want to learn more about the world’s greatest dog show? Here are our favorite facts about Crufts and here are our tips for visiting Crufts

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

There’s never been a better time to brush up on your Crufts facts as one of the most popular events of the year gets ready to captivate and delight millions of dog lovers around the world.

The first time I attended Crufts I was in awe of how big the show is – it’s not called ‘the world’s greatest dog show’ for nothing. There is so much to take in, so I’ve put together my favorite Crufts facts to help you get your head round how impressive the show really is!

Crufts 2025 is running March 6–9th and we’re eagerly awaiting to see which breed will take the crown of Best in Show.

Crufts facts

1. Crufts is the biggest dog show in the world

It’s true! While many people often mistakenly award this title to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show that takes place in New York each year, Crufts is actually far larger.

This year Crufts welcomes more than 130,000 visitors over the four-day show, plus more than 24,000 dogs, whereas Westminster has closer to 2,500.

In 1991, Crufts was officially named as the largest dog show by the Guinness Book of World Records. That year, 22,973 dogs entered the competition. It was also the year that Crufts left the capital of London and started being hosted by the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England.

It now covers more than 25 acres, which includes five halls and the arena. For context, that’s like 19 football fields or 6 Walmart Supercenters!

2. The Cocker Spaniel has won the most Best in Show titles

With their big, dreamy eyes and impish personalities, it’s not hard to see how the merry and frolicsome Cocker Spaniel has scooped the Best in Show title an impressive seven times.

The Cocker is followed by the Irish Setter, poodle and Welsh Terrier, which have all won on four occasions each.

3. It’s been going a long time

With the first show taking place in 1891, Crufts has been running for 132 years – but this time, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show just pips it at the post, having started 14 years earlier in 1877.

There were 2,437 entries for the first ever Crufts, including Queen Victoria’s Collie and two of her Pomeranians, all three of whom were awarded a prize.

There have been 86 Best in Show winners, with 45 different breeds winning the title over the years. The first Best in Show was won by a Greyhound.

4. Golden Retrievers have the largest entry

The golden retriever has the largest individual breed entry for the second year in a row, with a total of 509 dogs. It’s followed by the Labrador Retriever (485 entries) and the Cocker Spaniel (418).

The most popular entries in each group by breed are:

• Terrier: Staffordshire Bull Terrier (338)
• Hound: Whippet (376)
• Utility: Dalmatian (260)
• Toy: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (290)
• Gundog: Golden Retriever (509)
• Working: Bernese Mountain Dog (159)
• Pastoral: Border Collie (300)

5. Crufts has been suspended three times

Crufts was suspended between 1918–1920 for the First World War and once again between 1940–1947 due to the Second World War.

It also took a two year break in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, returning in 2022.

6. Age is just a number at Crufts

The oldest dog to win Best in Show was a Flat Coated Retriever, Jet, who was aged 9 years and 7 months, in 2011.

The youngest dog to win Best in Show was a Bulldog, Chuckles, who was aged 1 year and 3 months, in 1952.

7. A big show needs a lot of hands

Spare a thought for the more than 5,000 volunteers who will be donating their time to Crufts this year. The show needs everyone from ring stewards to breed experts, and some will be tasked with the massive job of clearing around 771.6 lbs (350kg) of canine fur at the end of the show.

8. Crufts attracts an international audience

The majority of entries, of course, come from the UK, but some 3,952 dogs from 50 countries will be travelling from abroad to attend the show. Countries with high numbers of entries include:

• France (475)
• Germany (407)
• The Netherlands (376)
• Italy (360)
• Ireland (327)
• Poland (259)
• Belgium (213)
• Czech Republic (218)
• Spain (174)
• Sweden (168)

9. The 1974 show was hugely controversial…

You may not think of a dog show as a place you’d see plenty of drama, but Crufts has certainly had its fair share. In fact, in 1974 it actually featured a murder trial!

An Old Bailey jury heard how a man started an affair with a woman he met at Crufts and was then murdered by his wife. The case found that the weapon used was actually the man’s knife that he used each day to prepare their dog's food.

10. Crufts averages more than 8 million TV viewers

It’s been 75 years since Crufts was first televised, and this year Channel 4 is broadcasting more of the show than ever before – here’s how to watch Crufts 2025.

Clare Balding has presented the TV coverage for 21 years and it now averages more than 8 million viewers on Channel 4 and More4, plus more who watch via YouTube.

11. Scruffts offers cross-breeds a chance to get involved!

There’s a spin-off to the main event – Scruffts – which allows cross-breed dogs to enjoy the same opportunities that pedigree dogs can have in Crufts.

Scruffts has a more lighthearted approach than the competition during Crufts, with an emphasis on fun. It also seeks to emphasize the importance of responsible pet parenting.

The four semi-finals include the following, from which four competitors will go through to the final:

• Most Handsome Dog Crossbreed
• Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch
• Goldie Oldie Crossbreed
• Good Citizen Dog Scheme

Cross-breeds also get a chance to visit Crufts as part of teams or individuals competing in agility, flyball, obedience, or heelwork to music.

12. More than 200 breeds of dogs are judged!

Every year, a variety of dog breeds compete to try and win the title of ‘Best in Show’ at Crufts. In 2025, 223 breeds will be competing for the crown.

13. A Father and Son won Crufts

A father and son pair have both been crowned ‘Best in Show’! Irish Setter sire, Sh Ch. Danaway Debonair, won in 1993 and his offspring, Sh Ch. Caspians Intrepid, took the title in 1999. Both were owned by Jackie Lorimer.

14. You can get involved at home

The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award takes place on the Sunday (March 9th). It honors the distinctive bond between humans and their dogs, emphasising their significant role in our daily lives.

You can find out more about the Kennel Club Hero Award finalists and vote for your favourite here.

15. The show gets its name from its founder Charles Cruft

If you’ve ever wondered why the show is called ‘Crufts’, it's not after a King Charles Spaniel, but comes from the name of the founder of the event.

Charles Alfred Cruft was general manager of the dog biscuit manufacturer, Spratt’s, and traveled to shows around the world building up important contacts before setting up Crufts in 1891.

Thinking of heading to the show? Channel 4 TV Presenter Laura Crombie has shared her top tips for visiting Crufts

If you want to know how to watch Crufts this year, keep reading. We’ve put together a full guide on how to watch the biggest event for dog lovers right here.

From March 6–9th, over 18,000 doggos compete for the prestigious Crufts 2025 Best in Show title. This event will include competitions in Flyball, Agility, and even Freestyle Heelwork to Music (this one we can't wait to see}. Also there to give expert opinions and demonstrations will be, The Good Citizen Dog Scheme Training Ring, the UK's largest dog training program.

But this event isn't just about the competition, there will also be more than 500 trade stands offering everything from the best dog treats to the best dog brushes for owners to shop.

Now, let's find out how you can watch Crufts live streams and TV broadcasts, wherever you are in the world.

How to watch Crufts 2025 online for free

Watch Crufts on Channel 4 in the UK

You can watch live coverage of Crufts from the comfort of your home. In the UK, free-to-air broadcasters Channel 4 and More 4 will be airing all the canine action live. You can check out the official schedule below.

Presented by Clare Balding and featuring interviews and features as well as the live action, 4's coverage is the most in-depth you'll find for Crufts. You can watch on linear freeview TV or online via Channel 4's free streaming platform.

Not in the UK right now? A VPN will allow you to access your usual Channel 4 coverage from anywhere...

How to use a VPN to watch Crufts from anywhere

A Virtual Private Network is a piece of internet security software that can alter your device's location, allowing you to bypass broadcaster geo-restrictions and unblock your usual streaming services from anywhere in the world. It can also improve playback speeds and keeps you safe online.

Using a VPN is super easy...

1. Purchase and install the VPN of your choice – NordVPN is the one our colleagues at TechRadar recommend.
2. Select the location of the streaming service you wish to access, eg UK.
3. Head over to your chosen viewing site and enjoy as normal.

Watch Crufts on YouTube

If you’re after traditional TV coverage with commentary, analysis, and interviews, then catching the action on Channel 4 is probably your best bet, but if you want to watch wall-to-wall action from the floor then Crufts' YouTube channel has the most comprehensive coverage.

If you are watching on YouTube and want to dodge the adverts, then you can also consider picking up YouTube Premium for £11.99 per month.

Crufts 2025 schedule

How to watch Crufts 2025: Thursday

Crufts is kicking off the competition with Terrier breeds and Hound breeds.

How to watch Crufts 2025: Friday

Day 2 will feature the Freestyle Heelwork to Music, Agility Singles Final, Vulnerable Breeds Final as well as the group judging for Utility and Toy breeds.

How to watch Crufts 2025: Saturday

If you want to know the reasons gundogs are so popular, you'll want to watch Day 3. This day will include the Gundog Judging as well the Southern Golden Retrievers Display, and the Scruffts Finals.

How to watch Crufts 2025: Sunday

Day 4 features judging of the Working and Pastoral breeds. This is also the day of the most-anticipated event, the crowning of the Crufts Best in Show winner!

What is Crufts?

Organized by the Kennel Club, Crufts is the premier celebration of all things doggy. Crufts has an impressive pedigree (we couldn’t resist the pun) with the first show being held back in 1891. Now, 134 years later, the show is going strong with this year’s event promising to be a massive event with over 18,000 competitors and hundreds of thousands of guests attending the show.

You can check on the Crufts website for a complete list of which dog breeds fit into which categories.

Dogs compete in a variety of obedience and agility competitions including Flyball and Heelwork to music, along with breed judging contests which are essentially pooch beauty contests to find the most perfect examples of each breed.

Alongside the competitions, there are The Kennel Club Hero Dog Awards which celebrate and recognize heroic dogs and heartwarming stories of how dogs enrich the lives of their owners and the people around them.

There are five finalists up for The Kennel Club Hero Dog award this year - you can read each of their stories at the Crufts website, where you can also cast your vote. The winner and all finalists will receive donations to a doggy charity of their choice.

There is also Scruffts, a competition for crossbreed dogs with a focus on fun, family, and responsible dog ownership. This event judges the character, health, personality, and temperament of entrants.

Finally, there is the Discover Dogs area at Crufts which lets attendees meet and interact with over 200 breeds of dog. This is perfect for people who are thinking of getting a dog and want to know more about the breed. You can get expert advice on grooming, feeding, and training to help make sure you and your new dog get off on the right paw.

Want to know more about the world’s greatest dog show? Here are our favorite Crufts facts along with some tips for visiting Crufts

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

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