Next month, the NEC Birmingham will be alive with the sound of paws as Crufts welcomes over 24,000 dogs from 51 different countries.
Across four action-packed days, spectators can expect an array of competitions, dazzling displays and heart-warming demonstrations celebrating man’s best friend.
Hailed as the world’s most prestigious dog event, Crufts 2025 will follow more than 200 breeds on their journey to the coveted Best in Show title. The grand finale, a highlight of the canine calendar, will be broadcast live on Channel 4 on Sunday 9 March, when one exceptional dog will take home the famous trophy.
Golden retrievers lead the pack
This year, the ever-popular golden retriever takes the top spot for entries, with 509 hopefuls vying for victory. Hot on their tails are the Labrador (485) and the cocker spaniel (418).
Meanwhile, at the rarer end of the spectrum, just six foxhounds and six sloughis are entered, while only a single Belgian shepherd dog (Laekenois) and one Turkish Kangal dog will take part, highlighting the diversity of breeds on show.
A truly global affair
Crufts 2025 is set to welcome a record number of international entries, reversing a post-Brexit decline in overseas competitors. Almost 4,000 dogs from abroad will take to the Crufts stage, with France leading the way with 475 entrants, followed by Germany (407), the Netherlands (376) and Italy (360).
International success is nothing new for Crufts. The introduction of the pet passport scheme in 2002 saw a Norwegian standard poodle, Topscore Contradiction, become the first overseas dog to claim the Best in Show title. Since then, six more international dogs have won the prestigious award, hailing from Canada, Belgium, Croatia and the US.
More than just a competition
Beyond the main breed classes, visitors can enjoy high-octane agility and obedience championships, as well as thrilling flyball relay races.
The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award will once again celebrate five remarkable dogs whose dedication has changed lives, while the beloved Scruffts final will shine a spotlight on the nation’s favourite crossbreeds.
Meanwhile, Discover Dogs offers prospective owners the chance to meet and learn about hundreds of different breeds, from the Australian terrier to the Irish red and white setter.
75 Years on screen
This year marks 75 years of Crufts being televised (although the show started in 1891), and Channel 4 and More4 will bring 19 hours of coverage from the event. With Clare Balding at the helm once again, viewers at home can follow all the excitement, culminating in the crowning of Best in Show on Sunday night.
Bill Lambert, spokesperson for The Kennel Club, sums it up best, saying that “Crufts is an iconic British event, with a truly international feel. We look forward to welcoming dogs, owners and visitors from all over the globe to celebrate our extraordinary bond with man’s best friend.”
Whether you’re a dog enthusiast, a prospective owner, or simply looking for a fantastic day out, Crufts 2025 promises an unmissable celebration of canine companionship, skill and spirit.
Main image: Golden retriever/Getty
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