Today, on March 5, one of the most prestigious and perhaps the most widely discussed dog shows in the world — Crufts 2026 — begins in Birmingham. For four days, the city will become the center of international canine life. Breeders, handlers, owners and dog lovers from all over the world will gather here to see the best representatives of different breeds, evaluate the level of modern breeding work and, of course, follow the competition for the show’s top title.
The main condition for participation in Crufts is having a qualification specifically for this show. It is not possible to submit an entry simply by choice: a dog must first earn the right to participate at one of the qualifying shows recognized by The Kennel Club. Usually, such qualification is obtained by class winners, title holders, or the best representatives of the breed at major international and national shows. For many breeders, the road to Crufts therefore begins long before the show itself — with a series of competitions where they must prove that their dog truly deserves to step into the ring at one of the most prestigious canine events in the world.
The main condition for participation in Crufts is having a qualification specifically for this show. It is not possible to submit an entry simply by choice: a dog must first earn the right to participate at one of the qualifying shows recognized by The Kennel Club. Usually, such qualification is obtained by class winners, title holders, or the best representatives of the breed at major international and national shows. For many breeders, the road to Crufts therefore begins long before the show itself — with a series of competitions where they must prove that their dog truly deserves to step into the ring at one of the most prestigious canine events in the world.
Let us take a look at this year’s preview and see what Crufts 2026 may bring to those who will be following the event.
In 2026, Crufts has set the bar especially high. The scale of the show in terms of participation has reached a record level: more than 200 breeds are represented and the total number of entered dogs has reached 18,698 — 123 more than in 2025.
Even more significant, however, is another figure — 4,299 overseas entries. This is an absolute record in the history of the show and a clear confirmation that Crufts has long ceased to be simply a major British event. Today it is an international platform where participation itself is considered prestigious and the level of competition continues to grow each year.
The largest number of foreign dogs this year came from France — 538. They are followed by Italy — 436, Germany — 425 and the Netherlands — 353. There is also strong representation from Ireland — 335, Poland — 288, the Czech Republic — 231, Belgium — 227, Sweden — 180 and Spain — 166.
At the same time, the list of participating countries is far from limited to Europe. Among those coming to Crufts are participants from much more distant parts of the world — including New Zealand, Peru and Argentina. This once again highlights the international status of the show, which has long become a meeting point for breeders and dog owners from all continents.
In 2026, Crufts has set the bar especially high. The scale of the show in terms of participation has reached a record level: more than 200 breeds are represented and the total number of entered dogs has reached 18,698 — 123 more than in 2025.
Even more significant, however, is another figure — 4,299 overseas entries. This is an absolute record in the history of the show and a clear confirmation that Crufts has long ceased to be simply a major British event. Today it is an international platform where participation itself is considered prestigious and the level of competition continues to grow each year.
The largest number of foreign dogs this year came from France — 538. They are followed by Italy — 436, Germany — 425 and the Netherlands — 353. There is also strong representation from Ireland — 335, Poland — 288, the Czech Republic — 231, Belgium — 227, Sweden — 180 and Spain — 166.
At the same time, the list of participating countries is far from limited to Europe. Among those coming to Crufts are participants from much more distant parts of the world — including New Zealand, Peru and Argentina. This once again highlights the international status of the show, which has long become a meeting point for breeders and dog owners from all continents.
If we look at the distribution of dogs by breeds and groups, the picture becomes even more interesting. The absolute leader in the number of entries is the Labrador Retriever — 547 dogs, which is 62 more than last year. The Golden Retriever follows closely behind with 529 dogs, confirming its status as one of the most beloved and popular breeds at Crufts.
At the other end of the list is the Komondor, with only three dogs represented this year.
If we consider the leaders within each group, the distribution looks as follows: in the Working Group the Siberian Husky leads with 156 dogs, among the pastoral breeds the Border Collie dominates with 310, in the Terrier Group the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the most numerous with 393, among the hounds the Whippet leads with 403, in the Utility Group the Dalmatian ranks first with 265, in the Toy Group the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel leads with 282, and in the Gundog Group the Labrador Retriever remains the leader with 547 dogs.
At the other end of the list is the Komondor, with only three dogs represented this year.
If we consider the leaders within each group, the distribution looks as follows: in the Working Group the Siberian Husky leads with 156 dogs, among the pastoral breeds the Border Collie dominates with 310, in the Terrier Group the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the most numerous with 393, among the hounds the Whippet leads with 403, in the Utility Group the Dalmatian ranks first with 265, in the Toy Group the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel leads with 282, and in the Gundog Group the Labrador Retriever remains the leader with 547 dogs.
In addition, several other popular breeds have also surpassed the mark of 250 dogs this year: the Cocker Spaniel with 409, the Flat-Coated Retriever with 330 and the Shetland Sheepdog with 265. These figures once again demonstrate how high the level of competition at Crufts remains and how strong the interest continues to be in classic family, working and show breeds.
At the same time, the show also has several notable program highlights. For the first time, the Hungarian Mudi, the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff will be presented in the Discover Dogs area as recently recognized breeds by The Kennel Club.
At the same time, the show also has several notable program highlights. For the first time, the Hungarian Mudi, the Icelandic Sheepdog and the Pyrenean Mastiff will be presented in the Discover Dogs area as recently recognized breeds by The Kennel Club.
The program at the bp pulse LIVE arena will also include the ceremony of the Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, which honors dogs that have devoted their lives to service, support, love and loyalty to people. The final of Scruffts — one of the most beloved competitions in the United Kingdom for crossbreed dogs — will also take place there. This competition adds another important meaning to the show: it reminds us that the value of a dog is not defined only by titles and pedigree.
However, despite the scale of the event, the richness of the program and the attention of the audience, the main intrigue of all four days remains unchanged — the Best in Show competition. This title is considered the main prize of Crufts and one of the most prestigious awards in the world of dog shows.
However, despite the scale of the event, the richness of the program and the attention of the audience, the main intrigue of all four days remains unchanged — the Best in Show competition. This title is considered the main prize of Crufts and one of the most prestigious awards in the world of dog shows.
In 2026, the winner will be announced on Sunday, March 8. On that day it will become known which dog will enter the history of the show as the main winner of the year. The final traditionally becomes the culmination of the entire event — the moment when, after several days of intense competition in the ring, only one absolute winner remains.