Crufts 2025 – Spectator Guide

The Worlds Greatest Dog Show.

What is the Crufts Dog Show?
Crufts is named after its founder, Charles Cruft, who was the general manager at a dog biscuit manufacturer. Cruft often attended dog shows in the UK and internationally, where he recognized the need for a higher standard in canine competitions.

In 1891, he launched the first Cruft’s Greatest Dog Show at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington. Today, over 20,000 dogs qualify to participate in the prestigious event, all vying for the coveted Best in Show title.

Crufts has moved venues several times over the years. From 1891 to 1939, it was held at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington. Between 1948 and 1978, the show was hosted at both Olympia and Earl’s Court. Since then, the event has been held at the NEC in Birmingham, where it remains today.

While the heart of Crufts is dog showing, the event has evolved to appeal to a wide range of audiences. Over its four-day span, visitors can enjoy competitions such as agility, flyball, obedience, heelwork to music, and working gundogs. In addition, there are hundreds of stalls and trade stands offering everything from canine products to services, making it a must-visit for dog lovers of all kinds.

Where is Crufts 2025?
Crufts 2025 will be held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham.

When does Crufts start?
Crufts 2025 begins on March 6th and runs for four days, with each day dedicated to showcasing different breed groups.

What are Crufts opening times?
The halls will be open daily from 8:15 AM to 6:30 PM.

How many dogs are competing at Crufts this year?

There is expected to be over 18,000 dogs competing at this years event.

Top Tips for Visiting the World’s Largest Dog Show

1. Arrange a Dog Sitter
Although Crufts is a dog show, only dogs invited by the Kennel Club or registered assistance dogs are allowed to attend. If you’re planning to visit, make sure to arrange for someone to look after your dog while you’re at the show. And don’t forget to buy them a little gift as a thank you!

2. Plan Your Travel
There are several ways to get to Crufts, depending on your preferences.

– By Car
The NEC is easily accessible via the M6 and M42 motorways. Upon arrival, you’ll find plenty of well-signposted car parks. If you’re parked further away from the halls, shuttle buses run regularly from the car parks to the main entrance. For convenience, consider downloading the ‘What3Words’ app to help you find your car after the event! For SatNav users, enter the postcode: B40 1NT. You can pre-book parking tickets on the NEC website.

– By Train
The nearby train station is just a short walk to the halls, making it one of the easiest ways to get to Crufts. Be sure to check the latest train schedules before you travel.

London Northwestern Railway offers services connecting London, the Midlands, and the North West.

CrossCountry Trains runs services to Birmingham from the North East, Manchester, the South Coast, the South West, and Wales.

By Eurotunnel Le Shuttle offers direct motorway links to the NEC, making it easy to drive straight to Birmingham once you’ve crossed into the UK.

– By Air

The NEC is just a 15-minute walk from Birmingham Airport via the Air-Rail Link and Birmingham International Station. It’s a quick and easy option for those flying in for the event.

3. Prioritise what you want to see
Crufts can be a bit overwhelming, so it’s a good idea to have a plan in place. Check the What’s On at Crufts schedule to see what’s happening each day. If you’re interested in specific competitions, note the start times so you can organise your day around them. That way, you can also schedule time for browsing the stalls without missing anything you really want to see.

4. Arrive Early
To get the most out of your day, try to arrive early. This helps you avoid the mid-morning rush of crowds and traffic. Personally, I like to get there early, grab a coffee, and enjoy watching all the dogs arrive—it’s a fun way to start the day!

5. Dress Comfortably
Crufts is an all-day event, and you’ll be walking around a lot, so comfortable footwear is a must. The event spans multiple halls, each with its own mix of stalls, trade stands, and competitions. Dress in layers, as mornings can be chilly but the halls can warm up as the day goes on. You’ll want to stay comfortable and avoid being overheated or having sore feet by the end of the day.

6. Bring Snacks and Stay Hydrated
It’s easy to lose track of time while exploring Crufts, and you might not realise how much you’ve walked. Be sure to stay hydrated and fuel up throughout the day. While there are plenty of cafes and food stands on-site, packing a lunch or snacks is a great way to save time and ensure you’ve got what you need when hunger strikes.

Enjoy your day!