Tickets are now on sale for Crufts, the world’s greatest celebration of dogs, which is returning to the NEC in Birmingham from 10 – 13 March 2022.
The four-day event, which in 2020 attracted more than 150,000 people and over 27,000 dogs, boasts a diverse programme of dog competitions in different categories and levels, including the finale of the prestigious Kennel Club Hero Dog Award (formerly the Friends for Life competition) which recognises unsung canine heroes, and a celebration of crossbreeds with the Scruffts final. There will also be opportunities to meet and greet around 200 different breeds in the Discover Dogs area, shop for doggie delights at the many specialist trade stands, and enjoy the full arena show with all its displays and competitions.
Show-goers have the opportunity to follow the Best in Show journey beginning with the Working and Pastoral group on Thursday 10 March, Terrier and Hound groups on Friday 11 March, Utility and Toy groups on Saturday 12 and the Gundog group on Sunday 13 March. The event culminates with the announcement of the public vote for The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, followed by climax of the show, the exciting Best in Show finale on Sunday evening.
Three breeds will also be making history at Crufts 2022. The Hungarian Pumi will have its own classes for the first time; the Smooth Faced Pyrenean Sheepdog will make their debut at the show; and the historic Harrier will be making its first appearance in the Crufts breed ring since 1898!
Elsewhere, stands and areas offer an opportunity to learn more about other Kennel Club activities, including work that is done into canine health. Kennel Club Breed Rescue organisations will be showcasing their hard work and successes in rehoming breed rescue dogs on The Kennel Club stand, where visitors can find out about rescue dogs looking for their forever home.
With a huge increase in dog ownership during the pandemic, dog-lovers at Crufts can also enjoy the ultimate shopping experience with over 350 stands selling all sorts of doggy delights, including dog food, toys and beds, as well as outdoor clothing and other equipment.
Vanessa McAlpine, Events Executive at The Kennel Club, which organises Crufts, said: “We’re delighted Crufts is returning in 2022, bringing together thousands of dogs and dog lovers and celebrating the unique relationship humans have with our four-legged friends.
“This year we are very excited to be welcoming for the first time a royal gundog display in the main arena, commemorating HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, as well as displays by Guide Dogs to mark the 90th anniversary of the charity and Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, who will be celebrating their 40th anniversary after forming at Crufts in 1982. Of course the highlight will always be Best in Show on the last night and we are excited to see who will take this crown for 2022.”
More information and tickets for the event are available here. Please note that tickets are only available through the Crufts official ticketing partner Ticket Factory.
