What to Know About Crufts 2026: Dates, Tickets and Entries
Why Crufts 2026 matters
Crufts 2026 remains one of the UK’s most prominent canine events, bringing breeders, owners and dog fans together for competition, education and celebration. Organised by The Kennel Club, the show sets national standards for breed presentation and showcases a broad cross-section of the dog world. With thousands of dogs and a packed public programme, information on dates, tickets and entries is highly relevant for anyone planning to attend or follow the show.
Main details and what to expect
Dates and venue
Crufts 2026 will be held from 5 to 8 March 2026 at the NEC Birmingham. The event’s schedule will feature breed groups and a full programme of competitions, talks and displays across the four days.
Entries and scale
Crufts 2026 is set to welcome an impressive 18,698 dogs to the NEC Birmingham from 5–8 March, marking a rise of 123 entries compared with Crufts 2025. Online entries for dogs that have qualified for the show close on Monday 19 January, so competitors should complete submissions before that deadline.
Tickets, access and community
Tickets for Crufts 2026 are on sale, with standard prices starting from £24. Organisers advise early booking for visitors planning to attend, as popular sessions and weekends can sell quickly. Crufts is also evolving into a year‑round community with the Crufts Club sign-up, intended to connect dog owners and fans beyond the main four‑day event.
Broadcasts, shopping and extras
Fans can follow Crufts via livestreams and the Crufts YouTube channel, which offers live coverage and an archive of past videos. Crufts Radio will provide interviews, features and stories from the show, including winner and celebrity interviews. A new Crufts 2026 collection is available to buy online for those who wish to show support or commemorate their visit.
Conclusion and what this means for readers
Crufts 2026 looks set to be a busy year at the NEC Birmingham with nearly 19,000 dogs entered and a broadened community focus through Crufts Club. Visitors and competitors should book tickets and finalise entries promptly—entries close 19 January—and consider subscribing to official channels for livestreams and updates. Whether attending in person or following online, Crufts 2026 will offer a wide range of activity for anyone interested in dogs and canine sport.