The dogs are back! 20,000 dogs head to Birmingham for Crufts
Birmingham's NEC will host this year's event
The greatest dog event in the world is back with 20,000 dogs taking part. The event is hosted in Birmingham’s NEC.
Crufts, which is organised by the Kennel Club is said to celebrate every aspect of the role dogs play in our lives. Crufts is open to British and overseas entries. Italy is represented by 265 dogs, with Ireland having 244 dogs and Germany sending 175 dogs.
The event will be covered by Channel 4 and will be available on Crufts Youtube channel.
The climax of Crufts is the Best in Show category which will be judged at 8:30pm on Sunday 13th March.
The leading breed this year is the Golden Retriever, with 458 entries. This is slightly ahead of the second place breed, the Labrador Retriever with 456.
Past Crufts legends
A West Highland White Terrier
Devon a West Highland White Terrier won the 'Best in Show' award in 2016
American Cocker Spaniel
Afterglow, an American Cocker Spaniel won the 'Best in Show' award in 2017.
Scottish Terrier
Knopa, a Scottish Terrier won the 'Best in Show' award in 2015.
Tom Mather, Crufts Chairman, said: “Crufts offers something for everyone and this year looks like being no exception. Visitors to the show will be able to see dogs and their handlers taking part in a variety of activities and displays and we would urge anyone looking to buy a puppy to visit the ever-popular Discover Dogs area where they will be able to meet the breeds up close”.