Crufts, the world’s greatest dog show, is returning to the NEC Birmingham from 6-9 March 2025, and we can’t wait to be back! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Crufts pro, planning ahead is essential to make the most of your experience.
With thousands of dogs, world-class competitions, endless shopping, and plenty of exciting activities, it can feel overwhelming. So, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to attending Crufts, packed with essential tips to help you have an amazing time!
🐶 What to Expect at Crufts?
Crufts is so much more than just a dog show. It’s a four-day celebration of dogs, training, competitions, and shopping, bringing together over 20,000 dogs and 155,000 visitors under one roof.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Best in Show – The most prestigious dog competition in the world.
- Agility, Flyball & Obedience – Watch the UK’s top dogs race, jump, and perform.
- Scruffts (Crossbreed Competition) – A special event for the best non-pedigree pooches.
- The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award – Celebrating extraordinary dogs that have changed lives.
- Discover Dogs – Meet over 200 different breeds, learn about their characteristics, and find your perfect match.
- Over 500 shopping stands – From handmade collars to gourmet treats, it’s a shopping paradise for dog lovers!
- Breed Rescue Stands – Thinking of adopting? Find out how you can give a dog a second chance.
📍 Location: The NEC, Birmingham
📆 Dates: 6th - 9th March 2025
📅 Plan Your Visit – Pick Your Perfect Day
Each day at Crufts features a different group of dogs, so choose wisely!
🐾 Thursday 6th March: Hound & Terrier
➡️ Must-See: Heelwork to Music, West Midlands Police Display, and Terrier & Hound judging.
🐾 Friday 7th March: Utility & Toy
➡️ Must-See: Agility Singles Finals, Freestyle Heelwork to Music, and Toy & Utility Group judging.
🐾 Saturday 8th March: Gundog
➡️ Must-See: Scruffts Final, Rescue Dog Display, and Gundog Group judging.
🐾 Sunday 9th March: Working & Pastoral
➡️ Must-See: Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, Working & Pastoral judging, and Best in Show Final!
📖 Check the full schedule here
🚗 Book Your Parking in Advance
Crufts is a huge event, and parking fills up fast! Pre-booking your car parking is highly recommended to avoid delays.
🚗 Book your parking for Crufts here
🕘 Get There Early!
Doors open at 8:15 AM, and trust us, arriving early is key! The NEC is massive, so getting in early means:
✔️ Avoiding long queues
✔️ Getting the best seats for agility & flyball
✔️ First pick of exclusive shopping deals
👟 Dress Comfortably & Pack Smart
Crufts is held in five huge halls and can get very busy so there's lots of waking around. Comfortable shoes are an absolute must. Dress in layers, as temperature varies hall to hall.
🎒 Must-Have Essentials:
✔️ Comfortable Backpack – Vendors don’t always provide bags and if they do they can be small, so having a larger comfortable bag for your items will really help. Top Tip: you can get a free large tote bag when you shop with Wyld Cub (Hall 4, Stand 94)!
✔️ Portable charger – Keep your phone powered for pics & videos.
✔️ Snacks & water – Saves time during busy meal periods.
✔️ Cash – vendors are in temporary locations and can experience wifi issues with their card machines.
🐾 Crufts Etiquette – Do’s & Don’ts
Crufts is a legendary event, and like any great institution, it has its own set of rules to ensure a smooth experience for visitors, owners, and (most importantly) the dogs!
🚫 What NOT to Do at Crufts
❌ Only Qualified Dogs Are Allowed – Only dogs who have officially qualified or have permission are allowed at Crufts. Security is strict—each dog must have a pass to enter and exit the venue.
❌ Always Ask Before Petting – Some dogs may be resting, feeling nervous, or their owners may have spent hours grooming them for the ring. Always ask permission before approaching or stroking any dog.
❌ Respect the Benches – Dogs competing at Crufts often rest on designated benches. If the owner is not present, do not approach or interact with the dog.
❌ No Treats for Other Dogs – Even though it’s tempting, don’t offer food or treats to dogs that aren’t yours. Some may have allergies or be on strict diets.
❌ No Distractions in the Ring – If a dog is competing, working, or relaxing, let them focus. Shouting, clapping, or trying to grab their attention could disrupt their performance.
❌ Avoid Eating Ringside – Particularly near food-loving breeds like Labradors—trust us, they will try to steal your snacks!
By following these simple etiquette tips, you’ll help make Crufts an enjoyable experience for everyone—especially the stars of the show, the dogs! 🐶✨
🎥 What Channel is Crufts On?
If you can’t make it in person, you can still watch Crufts live from the comfort of your home!
📺 Channel 4 & More4 will be broadcasting live throughout the event.
📡 Live streaming will also be available on the official Crufts YouTube channel.
🦽 Is Crufts Wheelchair Friendly?
Yes! Crufts at the NEC is fully accessible, with wheelchair hire available on-site. The event offers:
✔️ Step-free access
✔️ Accessible seating
✔️ Dedicated assistance areas
To hire a wheelchair or mobility scooter, book in advance via the NEC website.
🐕 Can Non-Competing Dogs Go to Crufts?
Unfortunately, only dogs invited or competing at Crufts are allowed to enter. However, if you’re looking to bring your pup along to a dog-friendly event, check out our guide to other UK dog shows below!
📖 Other UK Dog Shows to Attend This Year
🎟️ How Much is a Ticket for Crufts?
Advance Ticket Prices:
- Adults: From £22
- Children (9-15) & Concessions: From £15
- Under 8s: FREE!
Tickets are available exclusively through AXS, so make sure to book early!
🎟️ Get Your Crufts Tickets Here
✨ Final Tips for Crufts 2025
✔️ Grab a Show Guide – It’s your map to navigating the event!
✔️ Take Breaks – There’s a lot to see, so pace yourself.
✔️ Bring Cash & Card – Some vendors may not take card payments.
✔️ Stay Hydrated & Eat Well – Keep snacks on hand and plan your meal breaks.
🐾 Come See Wyld Cub at Crufts!
Of course, the highlight of our Crufts experience is meeting all of you! 🥰
Find Wyld Cub at Crufts in Hall 4 at Stand 94 – where you can:
✔️ Meet the team & say hi to Marnie!
✔️ Get a free harness fitting
✔️ Shop our latest collections
✔️ Snap a photo & join our Wyld Cub community!
We can’t wait to see you there! 🐶💙
📸 Check out our 2024 Crufts wrap-up reel here Watch Now
📖 Read More:
- Crufts 2025: What to Expect, Ticket Prices & Why You Should Visit Wyld Cub!
- UK Dog Shows You Can’t Miss in 2025