From Claudia Winkleman to the Komondor, here are the 10 things to look out for at Crufts 2026

18,000 canine competitors — arriving from New Zealand to Peru — and more than 2,600 entries across British and Irish native breeds will gather for the biggest date in the canine calendar. Here is everything to look out for at this year’s show.

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Handlers presenting a line of old English sheepdogs in the show ring at Crufts, the dogs standing on green carpet with their long, fluffy grey-and-white coats neatly groomed as spectators watch in the background.
Roll up, roll up!
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The world’s most famous dog show returns this week, drawing some 18,698 canine entries from around the globe. More than 200 breeds will compete for the coveted title of ‘Best in Show’ from a pool of the finest four-legged talent, including 4,299 overseas entries with some jetting in from as far as New Zealand, Peru and Argentina. France leads the international pack with 538 dogs, followed by Italy (436), Germany (425) and the Netherlands (353).

The inaugural Crufts show took place in 1891 at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, north London, attracting about 2,000 competitors. It was the brainchild of Charles Cruft (1852–1938), a man widely acknowledged by the late-19th-century world of dog fanciers as the ‘prince of showmen’ and, later, as ‘the Napoleon of dog shows’. His event accepted entries for all breeds and was described as the ‘most extraordinary dog show ever held’. Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales both exhibited. Each year, Cruft, a master of publicity, would find innovative ways of piquing public interest—showcasing exotic breeds, new competitions (there was even a class for the best stuffed dog) and celebrity endorsement.

As coats are combed, nails trimmed and bouffants blow dried in readiness for this year’s ring, we break down what you should look out for at Crufts 2026.

A new faithful

Raven-haired broadcaster Claudia Winkleman will join Clare Balding, Ellie Simmonds and Radzi Chinyangany to present the live coverage.

Claudia Winkleman wearing a white tailored suit and matching blouse, posing on the red carpet at the BAFTA Television Awards against a white step-and-repeat backdrop.

Broadcasting royalty: Claudia Winkleman enters the ring.

(Image credit: Alamy)

Cuts above the rest

Hall 8 will play host to a glamorous new dog grooming competition, sponsored by Artero. For the first time, elite groomers will compete against each other showcasing their creativity, precision and style. The Best Dog Groomer in Show title will be awarded during Sunday’s grand finale.

Two professional groomers carefully styling a standard poodle on a grooming table at a busy indoor dog show, trimming and shaping its coat into a sculpted show cut while spectators look on in the background.

The topiary of the dog world.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Discover dogs

The much-loved Discover Dogs area returns to Hall 3, allowing visitors to meet more than 200 pedigree breeds up close. Expert breed specialists and knowledgeable owners will be on hand to answer breed-specific questions. This year also sees the debut of three newly recognised breeds: the Hungarian mudi, Icelandic sheepdog and Pyrenean mastiff.

A collage of A white Icelandic sheepdog standing alert on snow with dramatic mountain peaks in the background, A black Hungarian mudi standing on grass with trees behind, its curly coat and pricked ears clearly visible, A large Pyrenean mastiff with a thick white and brown coat standing in grassy countryside near water.

This year’s debutants (from bottom, clockwise: Hungarian mudi, Pyrenean mastiff, Icelandic sheepdog).

(Image credit: Alamy)

Royal seal of approval

Crufts 2026 will mark a historic first for the Royal Kennel Club as the institution unveils its new identity following its royal warrant. Look out for the launch of the new Crufts Club, a new initiative created to enhance modern dog ownership by bringing owners closer to trusted experts and a range of health and training resources.

Top dogs…

The labrador retriever is the most popular entrant, with 547 labradors vying for position. The versatile lab is closely followed by the gorgeous golden retriever (529). The other top 10 entrants include the whippet, cocker spaniel, Staffordshire bull terrier, Border collie, flat-coated retriever, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, dalmatian and the Shetland sheepdog.

A collage of popular dog breeds set against a green background, including a labrador retriever, golden retriever, whippet, cocker spaniel, border collie, flat-coated retriever, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, dalmatian, Shetland sheepdog and Staffordshire bull terrier.

(Image credit: Alamy)

…and the underdog

The Komondor, also known as the Hungarian sheepdog and resembling a large mop, is the ultimate rarity with only three entered into this year’s ring.

A handler practices with their Komondor dog in an empty show ring on the final day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

To mop, or not to mop.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Supporting our canine heritage

There are 2,602 entries across 39 British and Irish native breeds officially listed as vulnerable — a solid turnout at a time when many of these breeds are reporting falling numbers. Stand-out entries include 100 miniature bull terriers, 66 greyhounds, 124 English setters and 104 old English sheepdogs.

A collage of vulnerable native British and Irish dog breeds against a green background, including an English setter, old English sheepdog, bull terrier and greyhound, each pictured outdoors in natural settings.

(Image credit: Alamy)

Paw patrol

The West Midlands Police Dog Unit is set to return to Crufts, showcasing both their operational dogs and pups in training. The military working dogs of the Royal Air Force are also performing, as are the incredible Medical Detection Dogs.

A police dog in a protective harness leaping forward during a live demonstration, vaulting over riot shields held by officers in helmets, as a trainer in protective padding stands ready in an indoor arena.

A police dog in a protective harness leaping forward during a live demonstration, vaulting over riot shields held by officers in helmets.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Ring craft

The activities ring offers visitors the opportunity to have a go at a plethora of canine sports including obedience, agility, working trials and heelwork to music, all with trained dogs and knowledgeable handlers.

Re-tail therapy

More than 500 dog-specific trade stands offer a range of pet products from food and grooming supplies to artisan accessories, toys and treats for all those pampered pooches waiting patiently at home.

Crufts dog show runs from March 5–8 at the NEC Birmingham. We’ll be reporting live from Crufts on March 6. You can follow along on the Country Life website and on Instagram.

Agnes Stamp
Agnes Stamp

Agnes has worked for Country Life in various guises — across print, digital and specialist editorial projects — before finally finding her spiritual home on the Features Desk. A graduate of Central St. Martins College of Art & Design she has worked on luxury titles including GQ and Wallpaper* and has written for Condé Nast Contract Publishing, Horse & Hound, Esquire and The Independent on Sunday. She is currently writing a book about dogs, due to be published by Rizzoli New York in September 2025.