Karmactive Staff
Crufts 2025, the world’s largest dog show, opened today at the NEC Birmingham, continuing its 134-year legacy. This year’s event runs from March 6 to March 9, featuring over 24,000 dogs from more than 200 breeds competing across various categories.
Competition Categories
Beyond the prestigious Best in Show title, Crufts features specialized competitions including:
- Agility: Dogs navigating obstacle courses
- Flyball: Relay races testing speed and teamwork
- Heelwork to Music: Choreographed routines by dogs and handlers
Local Competitors in the Spotlight
Abigail Jeffery, a 30-year-old dog-groomer from Brownhills, Walsall, returns for her second year with two-year-old cocker spaniel Nilo.
“We are both really looking forward to it. I got into showing through my nan, who competed in shows in the 60s. She has over 20 UK Championships and taught me everything I know,” Jeffery told reporters.
She added: “Cocker spaniels are one of the biggest groups in Crufts, so it’s hard to get noticed, but no matter what happens, I’ll still be proud of Nilo.”
Preparation for the event requires considerable grooming effort. “It’s quite hard preparing for Crufts, there is a lot of blow-drying and special shampooing. I actually have to put him in this little snood so that his ears don’t dip into his food,” explained Jeffery.
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Looking Back at 2024
Last year’s Best in Show winner was Viking, a three-year-old Australian Shepherd from Solihull, co-owned by Melanie Raymond, John Shaw, and Kerry Kirtley. Raymond, a third-generation dog breeder who lives just three miles from the NEC, said after the win: “We all dream of winning best in show at Crufts.”
When asked if Viking lived up to expectations, Raymond stated: “He did actually, I should never doubt him because he always gives me everything and you come in and he’s like ‘yep, come on let’s do this’. So he loves every minute of it.”
Crufts History
Founded by Charles Cruft in 1891, the show first took place at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington with over 2,000 dogs. Mr. Cruft, who originally sold “dog cakes” (food filled with meat, wheat, and vegetables), developed the show after working with sporting kennels and managing a Westminster terrier show.
By 1936, Crufts celebrated its golden jubilee early after exceeding 10,000 entries for the first time. Following Mr. Cruft’s death in 1938, his wife continued the tradition.
The 1950s saw Crufts become an obedience championship show, introducing working sheepdogs as the first crossbreeds to compete. During the 1972 Winter of Discontent, the show operated with subdued lighting due to power restrictions but maintained its commitment to helping visitors “forget the troubles of the world.”
In 1991, Crufts moved from London to the NEC Birmingham, where it has remained. The show expanded to its current four-day format to accommodate increasing numbers of dogs and spectators.
New Health Standards
This year’s event features new health entry requirements for brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs and Pugs, reflecting growing concerns about breeding practices and dog welfare.
FAQ
Crufts 2025 is being held from March 6 to March 9 at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Over 24,000 dogs from more than 200 breeds are participating in Crufts 2025. This includes a record 3,952 international entries from 49 countries.
Crufts features various competitions including Agility (obstacle courses), Flyball (relay races), Heelwork to Music (choreographed routines), and the prestigious Best in Show competition.
Viking, a three-year-old Australian Shepherd from Solihull, won Best in Show at Crufts 2024. Viking was co-owned by Melanie Raymond, John Shaw, and Kerry Kirtley.
Crufts was founded by Charles Cruft in 1891, with the first show held at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington. It moved to the NEC Birmingham in 1991 after previously being held in London. Originally featuring about 2,000 dogs, it has grown to become the world’s largest dog show.
Crufts 2025 has introduced new health entry requirements for brachycephalic breeds (such as Bulldogs and Pugs) to promote healthier breeding practices and improve dog welfare standards.
