Birmingham is currently bustling with excitement as Crufts 2025 kicks off, drawing in a delightful array of Basset hounds, boxers, and Border collies. This prestigious dog show, organized by The Kennel Club, has welcomed over 24,000 canines to the National Exhibition Centre for an exhilarating four-day event. With 200 breeds competing for the coveted title of Best in Show, the atmosphere is electrifying.
Tom Mather, the chairman of Crufts, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled that the show continues to attract a significant number of overseas entries, showcasing its global appeal. Crufts offers something for everyone, and this year’s event promises to be a spectacular celebration of our beloved dogs, dynamic canine activities, and our passionate community.”
How much is the prize money for Crufts?
While winning at Crufts is often more about prestige than financial gain, The Kennel Club does offer some monetary rewards. According to a spokesperson, “For the vast majority of breeders, it’s about the recognition and honor associated with the win, rather than the prize money.” However, there is a cash prize of £200 for the winner of Best in Show. Additionally, the winner of each breeders’ group competition receives £20, and assured breeders can earn an extra £5.
What else do owners get for winning?
The winner of Best in Show is not only celebrated with a cash prize but also receives a replica of the solid silver Keddell Memorial Trophy, which honors Robert Keddell, who served as the show manager from 1894 to 1924. Other prestigious awards include the Send Gold Vase for the best terrier, the Lonsdale Cup for the best Irish setter, and the Clair Memorial Trophy for the best Afghan Hound. Achieving victory at Crufts can also pave the way for lucrative sponsorship deals and enhanced stud fees, further elevating a dog’s status in the breeding community.
How many categories are there?
For a dog to compete in this esteemed event, it must have qualified during the preceding year, typically by securing a first, second, or third place in the relevant class at a Kennel Club-affiliated championship show. This can also include honors such as Best in Show, Reserve Best in Show, or Best Puppy in Show at affiliated open or general shows. The competition begins with dogs competing against others of the same breed, categorized by gender, age, and prior class wins. Once the best of each breed is determined, these winners progress to compete within their respective groups. There are seven distinct groups:
- Gundogs
- Hounds
- Pastoral
- Terriers
- Toys
- Utility
- Working
Gundogs feature retrievers, setters, pointers, and spaniels. Hounds include beagles, bloodhounds, Afghan hounds, and dachshunds. Pastoral dogs encompass Border collies, German shepherds, and Old English sheepdogs. Terriers include Border terriers, bull terriers, Jack Russell terriers, and Scottish white terriers. Toy breeds consist of bichon frises, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Chihuahuas, and pugs. Utility dogs feature Boston terriers, bulldogs, Dalmatians, and poodles, while Working breeds comprise boxers, dobermanns, rottweilers, and St. Bernards. After determining the winners in each group, the seven group champions then compete to secure the titles of Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show.
Why is the competition called Crufts?
The illustrious Crufts competition traces its origins back to 1891 when it was founded by Victorian entrepreneur Charles Cruft. After leaving college in 1876, Cruft chose not to pursue the family jewelry business. Instead, he worked for James Spratt, who had launched a new venture in Holborn, London, selling “dog cakes.”
Following a brief apprenticeship, Cruft was promoted to traveling salesman, which allowed him to connect with prominent estates and sporting kennels. During a trip to Europe in 1878, he was invited by French dog breeders to manage the promotion of the canine section at the Paris Exhibition. Upon returning to England in 1886, he took charge of the Allied Terrier Club Show at the Royal Aquarium in Westminster. His vision culminated in 1891 with the first show bearing his name, “Cruft’s Greatest Dog Show,” held at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington. This groundbreaking event welcomed all breeds to compete and attracted around 2,000 dogs with nearly 2,500 entries. After Cruft’s passing, The Kennel Club acquired the show, ensuring its continuation as an annual event for over a century.
