Crufts is one of the most prestigious dog events in the world. Organised by The Kennel Club, it's a show that celebrates every aspect of the role dogs play in our lives. As well as the main show, there are agility, flyball and heelwork competitions; demonstrations of the many jobs dogs do in daily and working life; and multiple trade stands. A 'Discover Dogs' event is held at the same time as all this - see here for details. Crufts now attracts many thousands of exhibitors and visitors from all over the world.
The first show, started by the founder Charles Cruft, took place in 1891 and the famed Best in Show award was first given in 1928, going to a greyhound called Primley Sceptre. In 1948, the Cruft family passed the running of the show to the Kennel Club, who have been responsible for it ever since. The Portuguese Podengo (pequeno) was first admitted to Crufts in 2009 and the classes have been hotly but amicably contested since then.
The 2024 show was held at the NEC in Birmingham from 7 - 10 March with Podengos showing as part of Terrier and Hound Day on Sunday 10 March. A copy of the schedule is opposite.
