Crufts is back! Dogs of all shapes and sizes arrive at NEC Birmingham

Dogs gather at the launch of Crufts 2023
Dogs gather at the launch of Crufts 2023

Over 24,000 dogs of all shapes and sizes are heading to Birmingham to take part in Crufts, the greatest dog show in the world.

Around 220 different breeds will be competing for a chance to win Best in Show, including the Bavarian Mountain Hound, who will be competing in their own breed classes for the first time ever.

Boo the Chihuahua meets H the Great Dane at the launch of Crufts 2023
Boo the Chihuahua meets H the Great Dane at the launch of Crufts 2023

As well as the competitions and activities side, Crufts also features the Discover Dogs zone, where visitors can meet and greet hundreds of four-legged friends, speak to experts in each breed about what they are like to live with and care for, and find out which breed might be best suited to their lifestyle.

Emily Pantoja and her Irish Wolfhound, Ragnar at the launch of Crufts 2023
Emily Pantoja and her Irish Wolfhound, Ragnar at the launch of Crufts 2023

More than just a dog show, Crufts celebrates the many diverse roles that dogs play in our lives, and sees competitions such as The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, the Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year competition, Obreedience, in which different breeds compete against each other in teams to prove who is the ‘goodest dog’, and the ever popular fast-paced agility and flyball competitions.

Alfie, a Bergamasco tries out the agility jump at the launch of Crufts 2023
Alfie, a Bergamasco tries out the agility jump at the launch of Crufts 2023

This year, to mark The Kennel Club’s milestone 150th anniversary, there will also be a special 150th Celebration Anniversary Stakes competition, on the first day of Crufts.

Crufts is held from 9 - 12 March 2023 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4 and More4, and for further information and tickets visit crufts.org.uk