The World’s Greatest Dog Show Returns: Crufts 2024 at NEC Birmingham

The world’s greatest dog show is back. Crufts 2026 returns to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 March, welcoming nearly 19,000 dogs from across the globe and tens of thousands of visitors over four spectacular days. Whether you are a dedicated exhibitor, a lifelong dog lover, or simply looking for an unforgettable day out, Crufts 2026 promises to be the biggest and most exciting edition yet. National Executive Transfers provides luxury chauffeur-driven car hire directly to the NEC Birmingham — from the airport, from the city centre, or from anywhere across the UK. Book your transfer today and arrive in style, without the stress of driving or parking.

Crufts 2026: Key Event Details

Event: Crufts 2026 — The World’s Greatest Dog Show
Dates: Thursday 5 March to Sunday 8 March 2026
Venue: National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham, B40 1NT
Organiser: The Kennel Club (Royal Kennel Club)
Dogs Entered: Approximately 18,698 — up 123 entries on 2025
Broadcast: Channel 4 and More4 — nearly 20 hours of live coverage
Tickets: Available via AXS — day passes and evening Best in Show sessions
Chauffeur Transfers: National Executive Transfers — book at nationalexecutivetransfers.co.uk

What is Crufts? The World’s Greatest Dog Show

Crufts has been the pinnacle of the dog world since 1891, when Charles Cruft — a manager at a dog biscuit factory — first organised what would become the most famous canine competition on the planet. Today, organised by The Kennel Club, Crufts attracts competitors from over 50 countries, with dogs competing across conformation, obedience, agility, flyball, heelwork to music, and the famous Best in Show final.
The 2026 edition marks a new chapter for the show. With the addition of a brand-new Hall 8 at the NEC, Crufts is bigger than ever — bringing expanded grooming competitions and a dedicated Young Kennel Club space to the already packed four-day programme.

What is New at Crufts 2026?

New Hall 8 — Bigger and Bolder

For the first time, Crufts 2026 introduces Hall 8 at the NEC, connected to Hall 4. This exciting expansion has two major new attractions. The Young Kennel Club (YKC) now has its own dedicated space — a vibrant area designed to nurture the next generation of dog handlers and enthusiasts. Alongside this, Hall 8 hosts brand-new professional dog grooming competitions, showcasing the artistry and skill of top groomers from across the UK and around the world.

Record Entries

Nearly 18,700 dogs are entered for 2026 — a record for the modern era and 123 more than the 2025 show. The field represents hundreds of breeds across all seven dog groups, making this the most competitive Crufts in recent years.

New TV Presenter

Channel 4’s coverage for 2026 welcomes a high-profile new addition to the presenting team. Claudia Winkleman — best known for hosting Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing — joins Clare Balding, Ellie Simmonds, and Radzi Chinyanganya for what promises to be the most-watched Crufts broadcast in years. Jim Rosenthal and Frank Kane return as commentators, with resident vet Dr Paul Manktelow back to offer expert advice throughout.

Crufts 2026 Daily Schedule: What Happens Each Day?

Each day of Crufts is dedicated to specific breed groups, building towards the grand finale on Sunday:

Thursday 5 March — Working & Pastoral

The show opens with the Working and Pastoral breeds, which include German Shepherds, Border Collies, Siberian Huskies, Dobermanns, and Great Danes. Thursday also features the Crufts Agility Championships for small and medium height dogs, Heelwork to Music, the Junior Warrant competition final, and YKC Agility.

Friday 6 March — Terrier & Hound

Friday belongs to Terriers and Hounds — some of the most characterful and popular groups at the show. This includes breeds from the Whippet and Greyhound to the Jack Russell Terrier and Airedale. The evening session builds the atmosphere ahead of the weekend finals.

Saturday 7 March — Toy & Utility

The weekend begins with the Toy and Utility groups — showcasing everything from the elegant Poodle and Dalmatian to the Shih Tzu and Bulldog. Saturday typically draws the largest daytime crowds and is the ideal day for families and first-time visitors.

Sunday 8 March — Gundog & Best in Show

The final day is the most anticipated of the show. After the Gundog group competitions — including Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Spaniels, and Pointers — the seven group winners compete in the prestigious Best in Show final. The day also features the Flyball finals, Obedience Championship, Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, and the Scruffts final for crossbreeds. The previous year’s Best in Show was awarded to Miuccia, an Italian Whippet, in 2025.

What to Expect at Crufts 2026: Your Visitor Guide

Whether it is your first Crufts or your twentieth, here is what makes the experience so memorable:

Competitions and Rings

• Conformation showing across all seven breed groups — the core of the show
• Agility — fast, athletic, and breathtaking to watch
• Flyball — teams of dogs racing against the clock
• Heelwork to Music — dogs and handlers performing choreographed routines
• Obedience Championships — the precision and focus on display is remarkable
• NEW in 2026: Professional Dog Grooming Championships in Hall 8
• Scruffts — the beloved competition for crossbreeds and non-pedigree dogs

Shopping and Trade Stands

Crufts is also one of the UK’s biggest pet trade shows. Hundreds of exhibitors fill the halls with pet food and treats, grooming tools and accessories, training equipment, dog beds and clothing, health and veterinary products, and specialist breed merchandise. Even visitors without dogs find the trade stands alone worth the visit.

Interactive Displays and Entertainment

Beyond the competition rings, Crufts offers breed meet-and-greet areas where you can interact with dogs you may never have encountered before, educational displays from rescue organizations and dog charities, demonstrations from police and military working dog teams, and the Young Kennel Club arena activities. The atmosphere throughout the four days is uniquely warm, enthusiastic, and welcoming.

Planning Your Visit to Crufts 2026

Tickets

Tickets for Crufts 2026 are available through the official partner AXS at axs.com, with options including morning day passes, afternoon sessions, and full-day tickets. Evening Best in Show tickets for Sunday 8 March are the most sought-after and tend to sell out early. VIP hospitality packages are also available through specialist providers for those wanting a premium experience.

Getting to the NEC Birmingham

The NEC is one of the most accessible major event venues in the UK, located adjacent to Birmingham Airport and Birmingham International railway station. However, during Crufts week, the NEC experiences some of its highest visitor footfall of the year. Parking can be extremely busy, train services packed, and drop-off zones congested — particularly on Saturday and Sunday.
The simplest and most comfortable solution is a chauffeur transfer with National Executive Transfers. We drop you directly at the NEC entrance, handle your return collection at any time, and take all the stress out of the journey.

Book Your Luxury Chauffeur Transfer to NEC Birmingham for Crufts 2026

National Executive Transfers is the premium choice for executive and event transportation to the NEC Birmingham. With a fleet of immaculate Mercedes vehicles and professional, uniformed chauffeurs, we provide a door-to-door service that sets the tone for a perfect day.

Popular Transfer Routes to NEC Birmingham

• Birmingham Airport to NEC Birmingham — just minutes away, door-to-door
• Birmingham city centre to NEC — smooth, direct, no parking stress
• London Heathrow to NEC Birmingham — approx. 2 hours in complete comfort
• London city centre to NEC Birmingham — ideal for overnight visitors
• Manchester, Coventry, Leicester, Nottingham, Oxford — all covered
• Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, East Midlands Airport — direct NEC transfers available

Why Choose National Executive Transfers for Crufts?

• Professional, DBS-checked chauffeurs in smart uniform
• Immaculate Mercedes S-Class, E-Class, and V-Class vehicles
• Real-time flight monitoring for all airport pickups
• Meet and greet with name board at airport arrivals
• Fixed, transparent pricing — no surge charges during busy event periods
• Group transfers available in the spacious Mercedes V-Class (up to 7 passengers)
• 24/7 availability including late collection after the Sunday Best in Show

Final Thoughts: Make Crufts 2026 Unforgettable

Crufts 2026 is set to be the most ambitious edition of the world’s greatest dog show in years. With record entries, a new hall, new competitions, and a star-studded TV team, the four days at NEC Birmingham from 5 to 8 March promise to be spectacular for every visitor.
Let National Executive Transfers take care of getting you there. Our luxury chauffeur service means your Crufts experience begins the moment you step out of the front door.

Tickets for Crufts 2026 are now available on the Crufts website, with various ticket options, including day passes and weekend packages, you can tailor your experience to your budget and preferences.

The NEC Birmingham is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. The venue offers ample parking facilities, and there are also shuttle buses operating from the car parks to the main entrance.

Whether you’re a dog lover or simply looking for a fun and unique day out, Crufts 2026 promises an unforgettable experience. So, grab your leash and head to Birmingham to celebrate the incredible world of dogs!

Make your trip to Crufts 2024 unforgettable with the best chauffeur service in Birmingham or luxury transfers. Arrive in style and comfort, focusing on the excitement of the event, not the hassle of transportation. Contact us today to book your luxury ride and elevate your Crufts experience!