Friday 06 March 2026
CRUFTS 2026 - Birmingham UK π¬π§
CRUFTS 2026 - Birmingham UK π¬π§
Kilmarkham King of Hearts aka "Cuore" only 22months old, winner of his class Yearling dog at Crufts 2026, just shy of Reserve CC, he was the third best male in the Irish Wolfhound competition out of 125 dog from all over Europe.
Owner and handler Gary Janssens
What is Crufts?
Crufts is one of the largest and most famous dog shows in the world. It takes place every year in the United Kingdom and brings together thousands of pedigree dogs from dozens of countries. It is usually held in March at the National Exhibition Centre, lasts four days, and welcomes more than 20,000 dogs and about 150,000 visitors each year.
The event is organized by The Kennel Club, the British organization that registers dog breeds and sets official breed standards. During Crufts many different competitions take place. The main one is Best in Show, the most prestigious award. The best dogs from each group (hound, pastoral, terrier, toy, etc.) compete to become the overall best dog of the show.
The groups are the following:
- Gundog (hunting and retrieving dogs): Setters, Retrievers, Spaniels, Vizslas, etc.
- Working (working dogs): Boxers, Dobermanns, Great Danes, Rottweilers, etc.
- Pastoral (herding dogs): Collies, Sheepdogs, Corgis, Belgian Shepherds, etc.
- Terrier: Jack Russells, Scottish Terriers, Bull Terriers, Border Terriers, etc.
- Hound: Afghan Hounds, Whippets, Beagles, Irish Wolfhounds, etc.
- Utility: Bulldogs, Dalmatians, Poodles, Shiba Inu, etc.
- Toy (companion dogs): Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Pugs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, etc.
Agility competitions involve obstacle courses where dogs must run, jump, and go through tunnels guided by their handler.
Obedience tests evaluate the dogβs training and control.
Flyball is a very fast relay race between teams of dogs that must jump over hurdles and retrieve a ball.
Heelwork to Music features choreographed routines in which the dog and handler move together to music.
How many breeds take part
At Crufts, more than 200 recognized dog breeds are represented. Each dog is judged according to the official breed standard (physical structure, movement, and temperament).
The first edition was organized in 1891 by Charles Cruft. At that time about 2,400 dogs took part. Today it has become the most important and widely publicized dog event in the world, also broadcast on television. In short, Crufts is a global meeting point for breeders, trainers, and dog enthusiasts.
Irish Wolfhound at Crufts
The only Best in Show victory for an Irish Wolfhound dates back to 1960. In that year the Irish Wolfhound Sulhamstead Merman won the most prestigious title of the show, Best in Show. The dog belonged to the kennel created by Florence Nagle, a historical figure in the development of the breed.
To this day, this remains the only time an Irish Wolfhound has won Best in Show at Crufts.