Run by The Kennel Club, Crufts is inviting thousands of visitors to join in a celebration of everything dog, from the 9 – 12 March 2023 at the NEC Birmingham.
Crufts takes place over four-days, with over 20,000 dogs and 130,000 people expected to attend and celebrate each dog having its day, cumulating on Sunday, when the prestigious Best in Show title is awarded, which last year saw an additional 2.4 million TV viewers tune in to watch the exciting finale.
Each day will conclude with a new Group Winner earning their place in the Best in Show final on Sunday evening, beginning with the Gundog group on Thursday 9 March, Working and Pastoral groups on Friday 10 March, Terrier and Hound groups on Saturday 11 March and Utility and Toy groups on Sunday 12 March.
Just prior to the Best in Show final, the Resorts World Arena will welcome five very special canine companions and their owners, who have made it as finalists in The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award 2023. Results from the nationwide public vote will reveal which pair have been crowned the winner.
Elsewhere, in a monumental year for The Kennel Club, with 2023 marking its 150th anniversary, Crufts is honouring the celebration with a special Kennel Club 150th Anniversary Celebration Stakes, taking place on Thursday. The one-off class will see all Best in Show winners from 2022 all breed Championship Dog shows invited to take part, including 2022 Crufts Best in Show winner, Baxer.
The action-packed four days will also see a diverse range of 222 pedigree breeds, rescue dogs and crossbreeds from all walks of life competing in different categories, across different levels and disciplines, such as agility, Heelwork to Music, Flyball and Obedience. The family-favourite Scruffts final will return on Saturday and see crossbreeds, who earned their place in nationwide heats throughout the year, compete for first place.
For the canine curious, the popular Discover Dogs area returns, showcasing over 200 different pedigree breeds, allowing prospective dog-owners to meet and greet the different breeds and speak to experts on what it means to take on a canine companion. Kennel Club Breed Rescue organisations will also be available to educate visitors on their work in rehoming and helping every dog find their forever home.
The 25 acres and five halls of the NEC are packed with over 350 stalls to meet any owner’s doggy shopping needs and treat your furry friend, and stands will represent both the large and lesser-known organisations and charities working with dogs. Specialist displays from Medical Detection Dogs and the West Midlands Police Dogs will also be taking place in the arena throughout the four days.
The Kennel Club will be offering visitors the opportunity to learn more about getting started in activities, such as the Young Kennel Club for 6-24 year-olds, and the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme. Experts will be available to speak on the work being done to improve canine health and welfare, including information on the funding of research by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust.
Vanessa McAlpine, Events Executive at The Kennel Club, which organises Crufts, said: “We are so excited Crufts is coming around again! This year is particularly special for The Kennel Club as we celebrate our 150th anniversary and we are delighted to be commemorating this historical year with a special Kennel Club 150th Anniversary Celebration Stakes.
“We are also welcoming back the full Crufts programme from before the pandemic, with the return of the Junior Warrant final and The Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling competition.
“The four-days are always action-packed and the energy keeps building in the anticipation of the Sunday evening where The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award winner is announced and the prestigious Best in Show trophy is awarded. It truly is the greatest celebration of dogs.”
More information and tickets for the event are available on the Crufts website at crufts.org.uk/tickets.
All ticket prices remain unchanged from the 2022 show, but a special 10% early bird discount is available for all tickets (excluding Best in Show) purchased between the 14 November to 31 December 2022 with the discount code EARLYBIRD10. Please note that tickets are only available through our official ticketing partner Ticket Factory.
