Guidelines for Attending Crufts, Based on Advice from Channel 4's Crufts Commentator and a Quarter-Dozen Attendee
Attending Crufts 2025? Here's Your Ultimate Guide
Crufts, the world's largest dog show, is set to return in 2025, providing dog enthusiasts with an unparalleled opportunity to witness incredible canine competitions, meet an array of breeds, and immerse themselves in the vibrant canine community. With Channel 4 and More4 airing extensive coverage, including more hours than ever before, those who cannot attend can still enjoy the spectacle. This guide offers essential tips to help maximize your Crufts experience.
A Visit to 'Discover Dogs' Should Be Your First Stop
The back of Hall 3 houses 'Discover Dogs,' securing encounters with representatives of every Kennel Club-registered breed. Here, you can interact with various dogs, take captivating photographs, and converse with breeders and owners about their unique characteristics. To maximize your chances of meeting a variety of dogs, this should be your initial point of call—it tends to become very crowded by lunchtime.
Secure a Seat in the Arena
The action-packed competitions such as flyball, heelwork to music, agility, and group judging take place in the arena adjacent to Hall 1. Seats are free (except during Best in Show on Sunday), but waiting in queues, particularly on weekends, can be lengthy. If you're flexible about the competitions you want to watch, it is advisable to visit this area after meeting the dogs and soak up the electrifying atmosphere.
Prepare for a Shopping Spree
With an impressive range of canine items available, from high-tech toys to hand-baked treats, you'll likely find yourself compelled to purchase a few tangible mementos from your Crufts adventure. Don't forget to pack shopping bags because your haul may be more extensive than you anticipate. Additionally, stalls offering personal shopping options, such as Fairfax & Favour and LeMieux, are plentiful.
Remember to Put the Dogs First
While it might seem obvious, always request permission from owners before petting their dogs or taking photographs. Remember that Crufts represents a significant event for these participants, much like the World Cup, so respect their dogs and their time. Most owners will be more than happy to showcase their dogs but seeking their consent remains courtesy.
Seek Out Freebies
Various dog food stalls offer freebies for your furry companion to sample at home, as well as games where you can win food and treats. You'll typically find these in Halls 1 and 3.
Don't Miss the Breed Judging
The breed judging takes place in all five halls during the mornings and late afternoons, culminating in group judging in the Arena. A show catalogue, which lists the breed in each ring, can be purchased upon entering any of the halls. Classes begin with puppies and progress to the Open category, where you can spot various champions.
In 2025, you can follow commentary on the Terrier, Toy, Pastoral, and Gundog groups via Channel 4. To stay updated on the journalist's experience, follow them on Instagram.
Wear Comfortable Footwear
Crufts sprawls across five halls of the NEC, with the journalist often clocking up 20,000 steps a day. Avoid new shoes and opt for worn-in trainers or boots instead. If necessary, find a quiet corner at the back of the halls near the breed judging rings to rest.
Avoid Hunger Pangs
The abundant walking at Crufts can leave you feeling famished quickly. While food outlets are available, they tend to become crowded and expensive. Packing a picnic to share with your dog (if showcasing) is recommended as an economical alternative. Make sure not to open your sandwiches near a breed judging ring—the owners may not appreciate the interruption.
Discover the Stars of the Future
Young Kennel Club ring in Hall 3 showcases hidden talents, with competitions for handling, grooming, flyball, agility, and obedience taking place. Reminiscent of a miniature version of Crufts, it introduces young people aged six to 24 to the canine arena. Providing support to these aspiring handlers and groomers is a rewarding experience, especially for those who started their own journey in similar fashion.
Whether you plan to attend the event or enjoy it from the comfort of your home, Crufts 2025 promises an exciting celebration of man's best friend. With the extensive coverage provided by Channel 4 and More4, dog lovers across the globe can bask in the glory of the world's most prestigious dog event.
- In 'Discover Dogs', you can interact with representatives of every Kennel Club-registered breed and take photographs with the dogs, as well as converse with breeders and owners about their unique characteristics.2.Secure a seat in the arena adjacent to Hall 1 for action-packed competitions such as flyball, heelwork to music, agility, and group judging.3.Prepare for a Shopping Spree with an impressive range of canine items, including toys, food, and hand-baked treats, available at Crufts.4.Remember to respect the dogs and their owners, always requesting permission before petting or taking photographs.5.Various dog food stalls offer freebies for your furry companion to sample at home or participate in games to win food and treats.6.Don't miss the breed judging in all five halls during mornings and late afternoons, culminating in group judging in the Arena.7.In Hall 3, the Young Kennel Club ring offers competitions for handling, grooming, flyball, agility, and obedience for young people aged six to 24, introducing them to the canine arena and providing a platform for future stars.
