Crufts 2026 Breaks Records as World's Largest Dog Show
The 135th edition of Crufts concluded in spectacular fashion, hailed by attendees as the most memorable in living memory. Held at Birmingham's NEC over four days, the event attracted nearly 20,000 dogs and 160,000 human visitors, making it the biggest in the show's storied history. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement and the distinctive scent of canine enthusiasm.
Celebrity Insights on Canine Companionship
Television personality Pete Wicks, known for his role in For Dog's Sake, offered a candid perspective on his bond with dogs. "I don't like people, but I've never met a bad dog," Wicks revealed. "Whatever love you give to them, dogs give it back tenfold. I've got a bit of a weird connection with dogs. There's a purity there that you don't find in people." The 37-year-old attended with dog food brand Pooch & Mutt, though he left his own pets—six-month-old rescue rottweiler puppy Rodney and 12-year-old French bulldog Eric—at home.
Wicks elaborated on the therapeutic nature of animals, stating, "People look for what benefits them—that's human nature. Whereas animals, they just live for the moment. That's a really special place, to be in the here and now. The only time I really get an opportunity to do that, because I'm a bit 100 miles an hour, is when I'm around animals."
Star-Studded Hosting Lineup and Canine Competition
Broadcast on Channel 4, Crufts 2026 was hosted by a formidable team including Clare Balding, Ellie Simmonds, Radzi Chinyanganya, and newcomer Claudia Winkleman. The event, founded by Charles Cruft in 1891 and operated by The Royal Kennel Club, featured over 200 breeds, from sheepdogs to shih tzus and dalmatians to dobermans.
Dubbed the "Olympics of the dog world," competitors engaged in agility, freestyle, obedience, flyball races, and grooming contests, all vying for the prestigious Best in Show title. Owners ranged in age from three to 87 years old, showcasing a diverse community of dog enthusiasts. Notably, British dogs dominated the "best in group" categories, despite a record-breaking 4,229 entries from overseas.
Emotional Moments and Personal Stories
Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds, 31, baked dog cakes for the canine participants and expressed her lifelong passion for dogs. "I love animals, especially dogs, and I've grown up watching Crufts," Simmonds said. "I'm going to try and foster a dog—I've put my application in." She highlighted the Eurasier breed and praised the "small but mighty" Toy and Pastoral groups.
Simmonds shared a poignant childhood memory, explaining, "Sadly my dad is super, super allergic to dogs. So we could never have a dog growing up. We had everything else: guinea pigs, birds, cats. We had a horse. And I always said to my mum I really would love a dog. Can we not trade dad for a dog? I so wanted one."
Hosts Reflect on the Crufts Experience
Clare Balding, a veteran host, expressed her delight, saying, "I am in heaven when I'm at Crufts. If you think about it, it's a live sporting event. Every time I come to Crufts, it's such a great opportunity to see all the different breeds. Although I grew up with boxers, so I've always got an absolute soft spot for boxers. They're the clowns of the dog world."
First-time host Claudia Winkleman was equally enthusiastic, noting, "I'm emotional. I thought I'd mess it up and, indeed, I did. I cannot bear that this is going to end. It's just the greatest place—it's like Glastonbury for dogs." Winkleman even received an offer for a fringe trim at the groomers, adding to the festive spirit.
Olympic Athletes Join the Celebration
Olympic cyclist Dame Laura Kenny, 33, attended with her family and shared her affection for their dogs, Sprolo and Pringle, both Sproodles (Springer Spaniel/Poodle crosses). "They have heaps of character and we love the energy they bring to our home," Kenny told reporters. "Dogs are there through so many of your biggest moments. I've always loved dogs—there's something so special about the unconditional love and loyalty they give you. Crufts is an incredible celebration of dogs."
The event concluded on a high note, with attendees and participants alike celebrating the unique bond between humans and their canine companions. Crufts 2026 not only set attendance records but also reinforced its status as a premier global showcase for dog lovers, blending competition, community, and heartfelt stories into an unforgettable experience.
