For our dog-loving friends in the UK, the annual Crufts dog show is coming soon!
This year’s canine-loving event will be held at the NEC in Birmingham from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th March 2019.
With a wide range of dog-related events, there’s something on offer for everybody.
What’s On At Crufts 2019?
Here’s the main line-up for each of the 4 days:
Thursday 7th March: Gundog
Friday 8th March: Working and Pastoral
Saturday 9th March: Terrier and Hound
Sunday 10th March: Toy and Utility
An incredible 22,000 dogs will be competing for the world class title of Crufts Best In Show.
At Crufts, you’ll also find the UK’s largest dog training programme, the Good Citizen Dog Scheme.
There is a Dog Activities Ring, where you can find out how to get your dog to show you just how amazing he really is!
In addition to all the fun and frivolity, over 550 trade stands will be peddling their wares. So you can expect to find lots of special show offers and exciting new products!
Some of the many activities on offer include agility, canicross (canine cross country), flyball, obedience, rally and working trials.
Are You Looking For A New Dog?
If you’re looking for a new dog, but can’t decide which one, the Discover Dogs area might just be able to help you out. Here you will be able to meet over 200 breeds of pedigree dog.
Crufts is definitely a family affair and this year, children under 8 years of age get completely free entry into the show. Just one more reason to go!
There are lots of different competitions for dogs and their owners to enter. This year’s highlights include International Junior Handling, the ever-present Breeders’ Competition, the KCAI Trainer of the Year and the Kennel Club Friends for Life.
A Brief History Of Crufts
The history of Crufts is long and distinguished. It was started by Englishman Charles Cruft way back in 1891. Charles’s family ran a successful jewellery business in Victorian London, but the young Charles never showed any desire to join the family business.
Only 2 years after leaving college, he was invited to organise the promotion of the canine section of the 1878 Paris Exhibition. The very first Crufts show took place at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, London, England, in 1891.
The show’s venue was always in London, until it moved to its present location, the NEC (National Exhibition Centre) in Birmingham, in 1991, its centenary year.
Crufts started its own Facebook page in 2008 and in 2016, it celebrated its 125th year. You could definitely say that these days, it has become a national institution in the UK! Something that the Brits like to call a “national treasure”.
Where Can I Get More Information?
If you’re anywhere near Birmingham, England, between 7th and 10th March, then you should definitely check out Crufts.
For tickets to Crufts and more information on the world’s greatest dog show, head over to the official website: https://www.crufts.org.uk/
