There’s never been a better time to brush up on your Crufts facts as one of the most popular events of the year gets ready to captivate and delight millions of dog lovers around the world.
The first time I attended Crufts I was in awe of how big the show is – it’s not called ‘the world’s greatest dog show’ for nothing. There is so much to take in, so I’ve put together my favorite Crufts facts to help you get your head round how impressive the show really is!
Crufts 2025 is running March 6–9th and we’re eagerly awaiting to see which breed will take the crown of Best in Show.
Crufts facts
1. Crufts is the biggest dog show in the world
It’s true! While many people often mistakenly award this title to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show that takes place in New York each year, Crufts is actually far larger.
This year Crufts welcomes more than 130,000 visitors over the four-day show, plus more than 24,000 dogs, whereas Westminster has closer to 2,500.
In 1991, Crufts was officially named as the largest dog show by the Guinness Book of World Records. That year, 22,973 dogs entered the competition. It was also the year that Crufts left the capital of London and started being hosted by the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England.
It now covers more than 25 acres, which includes five halls and the arena. For context, that’s like 19 football fields or 6 Walmart Supercenters!
2. The Cocker Spaniel has won the most Best in Show titles
With their big, dreamy eyes and impish personalities, it’s not hard to see how the merry and frolicsome Cocker Spaniel has scooped the Best in Show title an impressive seven times.
The Cocker is followed by the Irish Setter, poodle and Welsh Terrier, which have all won on four occasions each.
3. It’s been going a long time
With the first show taking place in 1891, Crufts has been running for 132 years – but this time, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show just pips it at the post, having started 14 years earlier in 1877.
There were 2,437 entries for the first ever Crufts, including Queen Victoria’s Collie and two of her Pomeranians, all three of whom were awarded a prize.
There have been 86 Best in Show winners, with 45 different breeds winning the title over the years. The first Best in Show was won by a Greyhound.
4. Golden Retrievers have the largest entry
The golden retriever has the largest individual breed entry for the second year in a row, with a total of 509 dogs. It’s followed by the Labrador Retriever (485 entries) and the Cocker Spaniel (418).
The most popular entries in each group by breed are:
- Terrier: Staffordshire Bull Terrier (338)
- Hound: Whippet (376)
- Utility: Dalmatian (260)
- Toy: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (290)
- Gundog: Golden Retriever (509)
- Working: Bernese Mountain Dog (159)
- Pastoral: Border Collie (300)
5. Crufts has been suspended three times
Crufts was suspended between 1918–1920 for the First World War and once again between 1940–1947 due to the Second World War.
It also took a two year break in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, returning in 2022.
6. Age is just a number at Crufts
The oldest dog to win Best in Show was a Flat Coated Retriever, Jet, who was aged 9 years and 7 months, in 2011.
The youngest dog to win Best in Show was a Bulldog, Chuckles, who was aged 1 year and 3 months, in 1952.
7. A big show needs a lot of hands
Spare a thought for the more than 5,000 volunteers who will be donating their time to Crufts this year. The show needs everyone from ring stewards to breed experts, and some will be tasked with the massive job of clearing around 771.6 lbs (350kg) of canine fur at the end of the show.
8. Crufts attracts an international audience
The majority of entries, of course, come from the UK, but some 3,952 dogs from 50 countries will be travelling from abroad to attend the show. Countries with high numbers of entries include:
- France (475)
- Germany (407)
- The Netherlands (376)
- Italy (360)
- Ireland (327)
- Poland (259)
- Belgium (213)
- Czech Republic (218)
- Spain (174)
- Sweden (168)
9. The 1974 show was hugely controversial…
You may not think of a dog show as a place you’d see plenty of drama, but Crufts has certainly had its fair share. In fact, in 1974 it actually featured a murder trial!
An Old Bailey jury heard how a man started an affair with a woman he met at Crufts and was then murdered by his wife. The case found that the weapon used was actually the man’s knife that he used each day to prepare their dog's food.
10. Crufts averages more than 8 million TV viewers
It’s been 75 years since Crufts was first televised, and this year Channel 4 is broadcasting more of the show than ever before – here’s how to watch Crufts 2025.
Clare Balding has presented the TV coverage for 21 years and it now averages more than 8 million viewers on Channel 4 and More4, plus more who watch via YouTube.
11. Scruffts offers cross-breeds a chance to get involved!
There’s a spin-off to the main event – Scruffts – which allows cross-breed dogs to enjoy the same opportunities that pedigree dogs can have in Crufts.
Scruffts has a more lighthearted approach than the competition during Crufts, with an emphasis on fun. It also seeks to emphasize the importance of responsible pet parenting.
The four semi-finals include the following, from which four competitors will go through to the final:
- Most Handsome Dog Crossbreed
- Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch
- Goldie Oldie Crossbreed
- Good Citizen Dog Scheme
Cross-breeds also get a chance to visit Crufts as part of teams or individuals competing in agility, flyball, obedience, or heelwork to music.
12. More than 200 breeds of dogs are judged!
Every year, a variety of dog breeds compete to try and win the title of ‘Best in Show’ at Crufts. In 2025, 223 breeds will be competing for the crown.
13. A Father and Son won Crufts
A father and son pair have both been crowned ‘Best in Show’! Irish Setter sire, Sh Ch. Danaway Debonair, won in 1993 and his offspring, Sh Ch. Caspians Intrepid, took the title in 1999. Both were owned by Jackie Lorimer.
14. You can get involved at home
The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award takes place on the Sunday (March 9th). It honors the distinctive bond between humans and their dogs, emphasising their significant role in our daily lives.
You can find out more about the Kennel Club Hero Award finalists and vote for your favourite here.
15. The show gets its name from its founder Charles Cruft
If you’ve ever wondered why the show is called ‘Crufts’, it's not after a King Charles Spaniel, but comes from the name of the founder of the event.
Charles Alfred Cruft was general manager of the dog biscuit manufacturer, Spratt’s, and traveled to shows around the world building up important contacts before setting up Crufts in 1891.
Thinking of heading to the show? Channel 4 TV Presenter Laura Crombie has shared her top tips for visiting Crufts
