Crufts Dog Show 2023 live: All the latest updates from Day 2
Crufts Dog Show 2023 is already in full swing and we’ve got all the latest news, event coverage, and facts about this four-legged friend festival. Day 1 was jam-packed with awesome agility, fast-paced flyball, and some very impressive heelwork to music.
Day 2 will also see agility, junior handling, and a police dog display. Thousands of visitors will be flocking to Birmingham, UK where the event is held, but whether you can’t make it or simply want more of the action, we’ll be covering the events and sharing some behind the scenes insight.
While Crufts 2023 will be screened in the UK, we’ve put together a full guide on how to watch Crufts if you’re elsewhere in the world or won’t be able to catch the live action.
So, without further ado, here’s everything happening at Crufts right now.
When is Crufts on TV?
Crufts Dog Show 2023 will be held on Thursday, 9 March 2023 through Sunday, 12 March 2023. It’ll be shown on Channel 4 and More 4 in the UK from 3pm GMT each day. If you want to catch all the action outside of the UK, you’ll be able to watch it on the show’s very own Crufts YouTube channel.
For more on this, check out our full article on how to watch Crufts.
Where is Crufts held?
Crufts Dog Show will return to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, UK for the 2023 event. The show has taken place in Birmingham for 32 years but wasn’t always held there. In fact, the first Crufts event was held in 1891 at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, London.
What's the history of Crufts? And who started it?
Today is the day! Crufts Dog Show 2023 is kicking off with our live coverage keeping you in the loop throughout the event. While we're waiting for the first of the events to start, we're casting back to where it all began and where this world-famous competition got its name. So, what's the history?
Crufts gets its name from its founder, Charles Cruft. Cruft began his career working for a businessman who was selling dog cakes. It was from here that Cruft traveled with work, visited sporting kennels, and eventually, went on to manage the Allied Terrier Show in Westminster. After this, Cruft held his very own event in 1891 at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington and this was the first ever Crufts show.
What can we expect from Crufts 2023?
There’s so much going on at the Crufts Dog Show in 2023 that it’s hard to know where to begin! Today is the first day of the four-day show and it's Gundog Day. You can expect to see agility competitions, flyball, heelwork to music, and a police dog display.
What's more, the Gundog Display and Gamekeepers Competition will round off the day. That's not all either as the Young Kennel Club will showcase a range of competitions for younger handlers who want to get stuck into the action.
Crufts exhibitors 2023
It’s not all about the competition at Crufts this year as visitors can also expect to browse hundreds of stalls from dog food brands to pet charities and clothing companies too.
What’s more, Crufts is also a fantastic opportunity to learn more about different breeds of dog if you’re thinking of getting a new dog and adding to your family. Over 200 breeds will be at the event in the Discover Dogs area and expert breeders will be on hand to answer any questions you have about the dogs. Already got the furry family you wanted? Experts will also be able to share training and grooming advice specific to your dog’s breed.
What's on at Crufts on Thursday?
Today's events are well underway and in the Main Arena, you can still expect the following this afternoon:
15:10 GMT/ 10:10 EST - Flyball Competition - Last 16
15:50 GMT/ 10:50 EST - Freestyle Heelwork to Music Competition Winner
15:55 GMT/ 10:55 EST - West Midlands Police Display
17:00 GMT/ 12:00 EST - Agility - Championships - Intermediate/ Large Final
17:45 GMT/ 12:45 EST - Junior Warrant Competition Final
18:00 GMT/ 13:00 EST - Breeders Competition Final
18:25 GMT/ 13:25 EST - Gundog Display
18:45 GMT/ 13:45 EST - Gamekeepers Competition Final
19:00 GMT/ 14:00 EST - The Kennel Club 150th anniversary celebration stakes
19:20 GMT/ 14:20 EST - Group Judging (Gundog) and Presentation
Can any dog go to Crufts?
Each of the different competitions at Crufts has different entry requirements, however, only dogs invited are allowed to attend. For example, entry to the Obedience Championships is only given when a dog has won a Kennel Club Obedience Certificate at a show between 24 January 2022 and 23 January 2023.
Aside from the dogs competing, other dogs are not permitted at Crufts.
Flyball Competition
Next up this afternoon is the Flyball Competition final 16. But what is it? Well, Flyball is where dogs race against each other to grab a ball over a range of hurdles. It's a brilliant test of the dog's physical and mental stamina and can be incredibly fulfilling for many breeds. The winner is the dog that passes the finish line first (including all four paws).
Shortly, eight of the 16 teams competing in the Flyball Competition will be out in the arena. We'll bring you the latest as it happens.
Flyball Competition: Results
Dubbed as the 'athletes of the dog world' by long time Channel 4 Crufts presenter, Claire Baldwin, Flyball contestants have a need for speed. Flyball is a fast paced relay race and 16 teams will go head to head to go through to the next round. Today, the teams will compete ahead of the semi finals on Saturday, and the grand final on Sunday.
Here's how they got on:
The first two teams going head to head are the Saltires and Watson's Legacy.
At the end of the first race, the Saltires are in the lead 1-0. If they can keep hold of this lead, they'll be heading into Saturday's quarter final.
And the end of race two, Watson's Legacy bring it back to make the score a draw. A final race is needed.
And heading into the quarter final is Watson's Legacy who win the final race.
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Next up, teams Aces High and Focus battle it out for a place in the quarter finals.
There's barely anything in it as both teams make a brilliant start but Focus have got the edge as they win the first race. A second race gives Focus the win and they're heading through to the quarter final.
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The third competition is between Road Runners Beep Beep and Tails You Lose. The Road Runners are reigning Crufts champions and this year is looking no different. Road Runners scooped the winning spot for race one and race two fairly smoothly with brilliant speed and a calm and collected performance.
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And the fourth warm up is off to a great start with the dogs taking time to warm up their muscles ahead of the race. We've seen each race begin with this style of trial run where the dogs and handlers can practice.
In this round, it's Tails We Win versus Molten Magnets. Speeding ahead, Tails We Win gets the first race on their side but the Molten Magnets are close behind and with a few false faults, the judges announce a re-run.
After a final race, Tails We Win keeps their lead and will be heading into the quarter finals.
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Going through to Saturday's quarter final are:
Watson's Legacy
Focus
Road Runners Beep Beep
Tails We Win
Police Dog Demo
We're now seeing the Police Dog Demo in the Main Arena at Crufts. Not only can these brilliant dogs help to stop criminals, but they can also be used to find objects such as weapons. They do this by laying down when they locate something they'd like to alert their handler to.
They're able to recall to their handlers when the handler is under attack and needs some support taking down a criminal.
We're also seeing these incredible dogs being able to support in riots by jumping over the police officers' shields.
Crufts Dog Show 2023 fun fact
While it's serious business in the Main Arena at Crufts, there's a lot of history to this world-famous event.
Did you know that the Crufts Dog Show is the biggest dog show in the world? It’s true! You'd be forgiven if you thought that title belonged to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which is held each year in New York, but when it comes to size, there’s no beating Crufts.
So, exactly how big a difference is there between Crufts and Westimister? Well, as it turns out the number of dogs that take part at Westminster is significantly smaller than those that compete at Crufts. In fact, in 2022 just 25,000 dogs strutted their stuff at Westminster, compared to an impressive 16,000 at Crufts.
And if you thought those numbers were impressive, just wait until you hear the tally for this year - a whopping 24,000 dogs from 44 countries are vying for the judges vote in the 2023 show!
The Junior Warrant Competition results
This competition has been going since 1998 and this year's finalists have earned their place by making it through qualifying rounds at Open Shows last summer.
It's a long journey for these handlers and dogs because after qualifying at their local Open Shows, only 64 dogs go through to the semi finals, which are held at Discover Dogs show in London. At the Discover Dogs event, just 10 dogs are chosen to go through to the final at Crufts.
This year's winner is...
The Border Terrier, Awbrooksky Never Back Down.
We're coming to the end of Day One's coverage but we'll be back tomorrow with a jam packed schedule of agility, heelwork to music, and more flyball fun.
What can we expect from Day 2 of Crufts?
Day 2 at Crufts promises a busy schedule, here’s what you can expect:
08:30-10:00 GMT/ 03:30-5:00 EST - Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling Competition
10:20-11:05 GMT/ 05:20 - 06:05 EST - Agility - Crufts Medium ABC and Intermediate/ Large Novice ABC Final (Jumping)
11:00-11:55 GMT/ 06:00-06:55 EST - Agility - Crufts Singles Heat
11:55 GMT/ 06:55 EST - Heelwork to Music Competition
13:10 GMT/08:10 EST - Break
13:30 GMT/ 08:30 EST - Agility - Crufts Singles Heat
14:25 GMT/ 09:25 EST - Crufts Medium ABC and Intermediate/ Large Novice ABC Final (Agility)
15:15 GMT/ 10:15 EST - Flyball Competition - Last 16
16:00 GMT/ 11:00 EST - Heelwork to Music Competition Winner
16:05 GMT/ 11:05 EST - West Midlands Police Dog Display
16:30 GMT/ 11:30 EST - Program Ends
17:10 GMT/ 12:10 EST - Agility - Crufts Singles Final
17:55 GMT/ 12:55 EST - Vulnerable Breed Competition Final
18:20 GMT/ 13:20 EST - Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling Final Judging
18:40 GMT/ 13:40 EST - Group Judging (Working) and Presentation
19:35 GMT/ 14:35 EST - Group Judging (Pastoral) and Presentation
20:25 GMT/ 15:25 EST - Program Ends
Agility - Crufts Medium ABC and Intermediate/ Large Novice ABC Final (Jumping)
Kicking off our coverage today is the Agility - Crufts Medium ABC and Intermediate/ Large Novice ABC Final (Jumping).
Agility was first introduced at Crufts in 1978 and it's a fantastic test of the dog's abilities and the handler's training skills. Quite often it's said that if dogs make mistakes during agility, the handler is actually at fault but with the stakes so high at world-famous competitions like Crufts, there are lots of factors that can affect performance.
In order for dogs to compete in Agility competitions at Crufts, they must be registered with The Kennel Club and they will have been through several qualifying competitions before making it through to Crufts.
How old should dogs be to start agility?
It's recommended that dogs are at least one year old before they begin any agility training. This is to allow their muscles to develop and for you, as a handler, to be confident you have them under control.
Can anyone be an agility judge?
Judges at Crufts will have gone through lots of training to get to where they are now. Crufts' judges will have to adhere to The Kennel Club Agility Regulations and they must have an in-depth knowledge of agility in order to provide a fair judgement.
Judges will also have to:
Pass an agility judge's exam as part of The Kennel Club Academy
Attend a Kennel Club agility seminar
Agility - Crufts Medium ABC and Intermediate/ Large Novice ABC Final (Jumping) results
And they're off! Today's agility competitions kicked off with the Large Novice ABC Final and with a couple of unfortunate eliminations (given due to missing a jump or knocking a pole off), the final result is:
First place: Stockyard Ruffstock Rodeo (known as Dodger) with his handler Emma Wallis - 29.657 seconds
Second place: Alpine Peaks with handler Claire Crichton - 32.060 seconds
Third place: Mash or Smash with handler Abigail Phillips - 32.427 seconds
Fourth place: Bohemian Spirit with handler Julie Darlington - 35.327 seconds
Fifth place: Niamh Said Neev AW (G) with handler Kerryn von Puttkammer - 38.360 seconds
Sixth place: Cardueae Veroni with handler Kate Fowler (5 faults) - 34.809 seconds
Seventh place: Notterts Al Fa Ace De Pique with handler Alisa Atkins - Eliminated
Eight place: Miss Batty with handler Donna Surtees - Eliminated
Next up, the heights have been adjusted on the jumps to accommodate our next group of dogs. And the results are in:
First place: Kenaiteen Allegro with handler Kerry Scott - 29.346 seconds
Second place: Marvel at Thanos AW (S) with handler Robyn Connell - 31.371 seconds
Third place: Staby What with handler Pam Mayhew - 34.195 seconds
Fourth place: Morgans Black Panther AW (G) with handler Nigel Staines - 37.268 seconds
Fifth place: Yunalesca's Mad As a Hatter AW (S) with handler Laura Middleton - 37.668 seconds
Sixth place: Katmistskys Kaede Lass AW (G) with handler Laura Middleton - 41.268 seconds
Seventh place: Fitznister Bonnibelle with handler Michael Ferguson - Eliminated
Eighth place: Chayle Du Mourioche with handler Rosie Cavill - Eliminated
Which breed of dog has won the most Best in Show titles?
Curious as to which breed of dog has won the most Best in Show titles? That honor goes to the Cocker Spaniel who has wowed the judges an impressive seven times since Crufts first introduced the award back in 1928. The closest contenders to the Cocker Spaniel’s crown are Irish Setter, Poodle, and Welsh Terrier, who have each won Best in Show four times each.
Heelwork to Music Final
The Heelwork to Music Final is just getting started and if you're wondering where handlers begin with this, you're not alone.
In terms of Crufts history, heelwork to music is quite a new competition. There are two different categories in this competition - one is heelwork to music and the other is freestyle.
Handlers who get to compete at Crufts for the heelwork to music competitions will have put in serious amounts of dedication and time. Just like with agility, heelwork is suitable to try out when the dog is 12 months old and freestyle is recommended for dogs at least 18 months old.
Judges will be awarding points based on:
Content and flow
Accuracy and teamwork
Interpretation of the music
Which breed is entered into Crufts the most?
When it comes to entries, there are always some breeds that are more popular than others. This year, the Labrador Retriever overtakes the record set by the Golden Retriever in 2022 with a massive 537 individual entries. And the least popular? Well, that would be the affectionate, gentle and calm Komondor (also known as the ‘mop dog’ thanks to all its hair!) and the intelligent, lively and playful Swedish Lapphund who have drawn just one entry apiece.
Flyball Competition - Day 2
Possible Crufts' speediest competition, Flyball is back for Day 2 and it's set to be action packed once again.
All of the teams that are taking part today will have qualified via events held in the last year. In order to take part, a flyball team must have four handlers, one box leader, one team captain, and four dogs.
The dogs themselves need to be over 18 months of age in order to take part and the winning team is announced after three races.
That brings us to the end of our coverage but you can find more details on catching the action in our how to watch Crufts guide.
