Complete Guide to Crufts 2025 & UK Dog Shows Post-Covid

Crufts, the world's largest and most prestigious canine show, returns to NEC Birmingham from 66 March 2025. This comprehensive guide covers the event’s revival post-pandemic, updated health protocols, competitor preparation, and the evolving UK dog show scene focusing on responsible ownership and canine welfare.

Impact of the 2021 Crufts Cancellation

For the first time since 1954, Crufts was cancelled in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with NEC Birmingham repurposed as a vaccination centre. This hiatus deeply affected exhibitors and breeders who rely on the event for competition, networking, and breed promotion. The 2022 event marked a pivotal return under strict health protocols, setting a new welfare-focused benchmark for the 2025 show.

The Role of Crufts in UK Dog Shows and Welfare

Crufts is held annually in March over four days featuring breed judging, agility, obedience, flyball, heelwork to music, and junior handling competitions. It not only celebrates canine excellence but actively promotes responsible dog ownership and breed-specific health education, fostering a compassionate and knowledgeable dog-loving community.

How Covid-19 Reshaped UK Dog Shows

National lockdowns in 202021 suspended live shows. To maintain community engagement, The Kennel Club introduced virtual shows and contests, while owners focused on training and wellbeing at home. Research from the Royal Veterinary College shows that "pandemic puppies" faced socialisation challenges, leading to ongoing behavioural issues for owners. This has raised the emphasis on owner education and welfare standards in the show community.

Health and Welfare Innovations at Crufts 2025

One of the most significant updates for 2025 is the introduction of stringent health entry requirements for brachycephalic breeds such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, and English Bulldogs. Competitors must present a valid Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) certificate, renewed every two years, assessing the risk of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). Dogs scoring Grade 3, indicating severe respiratory distress, are disqualified from competition.

This grading system, developed by The Kennel Club, veterinary experts, and the University of Cambridge, ensures a consistent, welfare-centred health assessment. Complementary measures include an updated Breed Watch system and on-site veterinary health checks throughout the event. Crufts 2025 also features a focus on rescue dogs and educational initiatives promoting ethical breeding and ownership.

Step-by-Step Guide for Crufts 2025 Competitors

Step 1: Verify Entry Qualifications

Confirm your dog’s eligibility on The Kennel Club’s website, ensuring registration or Authority to Compete (ATC) for international entries. Verify qualification via required awards or breed-specific titles. Early application is crucial as entries fill rapidly.

Step 2: Prioritise Health and Conditioning

Maintain your dog on a balanced, breed-appropriate diet with regular exercise to achieve the ideal weight and fitness. For brachycephalic breeds, ensure a current RFG certificate is obtained and complies with event rules.

Step 3: Obedience and Ring Training

Train your dog to remain calm amid distractions and proficient in show handling1 steady gait, correct stacking, and confident judge interaction. Professional handling assistance may enhance your dog’s presentation.

Step 4: Grooming to Breed Standards

Adhere to breed-specific grooming standards, ensuring a healthy coat, clean nails, and overall presentation. Final grooming on the day of the show optimises your dog’s appearance.

Step 5: Maintain Show Readiness On-Site

Prepare a calm, ventilated resting area using a crate or quiet corner to minimise stress. Keep your dog leashed and well hydrated to support comfort and welfare.

Step 6: Familiarise Yourself with the Event Schedule

• Thursday 6 March: Terrier and Hound Groups
• Friday 7 March: Utility and Toy Groups
• Saturday 8 March: Gundog Group
• Sunday 9 March: Working and Pastoral Groups plus Best in Show

Step 7: Show Day Practicalities

Bring all registration papers, proof of qualifications, and health certificates including the RFG. Pack grooming essentials and consider visiting the venue beforehand with your dog to reduce anxiety and help acclimatise.

Responsible Ownership and Finding Puppies in the UK

Always acquire dogs from reputable breeders who perform comprehensive health screenings, early socialisation programmes, and maintain transparent breeding practices. The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme supports ethical breeders committed to lifetime care to minimise the risks of puppy farming. Adoption from rescue centres remains a compassionate option, providing much-needed homes and ongoing support.

How to Buy a Dog in the UK

Quick Answer: Purchase only from licensed breeders or authorised rehoming centres for health, welfare, and legal compliance.

UK law mandates that breeders producing three or more litters annually must hold a license. Lucy’s Law prohibits the sale of puppies under six months except by registered breeders or rehoming centres. All puppies must be microchipped by 8 weeks with full vaccination and health records provided. Meeting the puppy and its dam, and verifying breeder credentials, remain key steps to ensure responsible sourcing.

When Can Puppies Leave Their Mother?

Quick Answer: Puppies must remain with their mother until at least eight weeks old to support proper socialisation and immune system development.

This crucial period allows puppies to learn important social cues and gain immunity through maternal antibodies. Early separation can lead to health issues and behavioural problems. Responsible breeders strictly adhere to this welfare standard prioritising the puppy’s wellbeing.

2025 UK Dog Show Schedule & Ownership Tips

Crufts 2025 at NEC Birmingham is the highlight of the UK dog show calendar from 66 March, with group judging as follows:

• Thursday 6 March: Terrier and Hound Groups
• Friday 7 March: Utility and Toy Groups
• Saturday 8 March: Gundog Group
• Sunday 9 March: Working and Pastoral Groups plus Best in Show Final

Other notable championship shows in 2025 include the Border Union, Blackpool & District, and Welsh Kennel Club events during spring and summer. Throughout these events, emphasis remains on responsible ownership1 understanding breed-specific exercise, grooming, health, training, and socialisation needs. Attending shows offers valuable learning opportunities and supports positive welfare across the canine community in the UK.

Conclusion: Tradition Meets Modern Welfare at Crufts 2025

Following the historic cancellation in 2021, Crufts 2025 returns stronger, showcasing resilience and a progressive approach to dog welfare. The combination of cherished traditions and leading-edge health protocols1 particularly Respiratory Function Grading for brachycephalic breeds1 sets clear competitor standards and ethical breeding expectations.

With rigorous health checks, advocacy for responsible ownership, and expanded education including spotlighting rescue dogs, Crufts inspires a welfare-conscious and compassionate canine community throughout the UK.