Crufts 2026 Round-Up: Celebrating the World’s Greatest Dog Show

Crufts is widely recognised as the largest and most prestigious dog show in the world. Held each year at the NEC in Birmingham and organised by The Kennel Club, it has been celebrating the special relationship between people and dogs since 1891. Every year, thousands of dogs take part across breed judging, agility, flyball, obedience and more, making it one of the highlights of the canine calendar. If you missed Crufts this year, here’s our round-up of Crufts 2026, from the show ring highlights to the inspiring work of assistance dogs, and why everyday walks deserve just as much thought and care.

Best in Show at Crufts 2026

The prestigious Best in Show title at Crufts 2026 was awarded to a Clumber Spaniel from the Gundog group. Clumber Spaniels are known for their calm nature, loyalty and distinctive appearance, and the breed is also listed by the Kennel Club as a Vulnerable Native Breed. While the top prize always attracts headlines, Crufts is ultimately about celebrating dogs of all breeds, abilities and backgrounds - from pedigree show dogs to working dogs and much-loved family pets.

Group Winners and Show Highlights

Before any dog can reach the Best in Show final, they must first win their breed and then their group. Crufts is divided into seven main groups: Gundog, Hound, Working, Terrier, Pastoral, Utility and Toy. In 2026, the group line-up included a Clumber Spaniel for Gundog, a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen for Hound, a Tibetan Mastiff for Working, a Welsh Corgi for Pastoral, a Lakeland Terrier for Terrier, a Miniature Schnauzer for Utility and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for Toy. Even reaching the final group stages at Crufts is a remarkable achievement and reflects the high standards of health, movement, structure and temperament expected in the show ring.

Claudia Winkleman Joins Clare Balding at Crufts

One of the lighter talking points from Crufts 2026 was the addition of Claudia Winkleman to the Channel 4 presenting team. Joining Clare Balding, along with the wider broadcast line-up, Claudia brought a fresh energy and warmth to the coverage. Clare Balding continued in the lead role that viewers have come to associate with Crufts, helping guide audiences through the main competitions and the many special moments that make the event so enjoyable to watch each year.

More Than Just a Dog Show

Crufts is about far more than breed judging. Across the four-day event, visitors and viewers can enjoy agility, flyball, heelwork to music, obedience, Scruffts and a wide range of demonstrations celebrating the connection between dogs and humans. One especially uplifting part of Crufts 2026 was the Royal Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, won this year by Asha, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which helped shine a light on the courage, companionship and life-changing role dogs can play in everyday life.

The Incredible Work of Assistance Dogs

Beyond the excitement of the show ring, Crufts also reminds us of the incredible work carried out by assistance dogs across the UK. These highly trained dogs help people live more independently and safely, often forming life-changing partnerships with their owners. Assistance Dogs UK describes assistance dogs as dogs trained to carry out tasks and alerts that support disabled people or people living with long-term medical conditions.

Guide Dogs
Guide dogs support people who are blind or partially sighted, helping them navigate pavements, crossings, obstacles and busy environments with greater confidence.

Hearing Dogs
Hearing dogs assist people who are deaf or hard of hearing by alerting them to important sounds such as doorbells, alarms and someone calling their name.

Medical Alert Dogs
Medical alert dogs can detect changes linked to serious health episodes, helping warn their handler of issues such as diabetic events or other medical emergencies.

Mobility Assistance Dogs
Mobility assistance dogs help people with physical disabilities by retrieving items, opening doors, pressing buttons and assisting with daily practical tasks.

Autism Assistance Dogs
Autism assistance dogs can provide reassurance, routine and emotional support, helping improve confidence, calm and day-to-day safety.

Psychiatric Support Dogs
Psychiatric support dogs are trained to help people living with conditions such as PTSD, anxiety or depression through grounding behaviours, reminders and calm companionship.

Seizure Alert and Epilepsy Dogs
Some assistance dogs are trained to recognise early warning signs of seizures and alert their handler or family so help can be provided quickly.

These dogs are a powerful reminder that while Crufts may celebrate champions in the ring, many dogs are everyday heroes in ways that are even more important. Their loyalty, intelligence and instinct continue to support and inspire people every single day.

Everyday Champions on Everyday Walks

While Crufts celebrates world-class dogs in the arena, most dogs are champions in a different way - as companions on ordinary walks, family adventures and daily routines. Whether it’s an assistance dog supporting independence, a playful pet racing around the park or a loyal dog joining you for a countryside stroll, every dog deserves to feel comfortable and safe outdoors.

That’s why we created our Dog RUFFNEK® collection, including reflective designs that are ideal for walks in lower light. Our dog snoods are designed to help dogs stay visible, comfortable and ready for adventure, whether you’re heading out on an early morning walk, a winter afternoon outing or an evening stroll. If you’d like to browse the range, take a look at our reflective dog snoods and bandanas here.

For extra inspiration, you can also read our guide to night dog walk safety and reflective snoods, which shares more ideas on helping keep your dog visible and comfortable outdoors.

Looking Ahead to Crufts 2027

Crufts returns every year and continues to inspire dog lovers across the world. From show dogs and sporting events to hero dogs and assistance dogs, it remains a brilliant reminder of how much dogs enrich our lives. Until next year’s event, we’ll be celebrating dogs of all shapes and sizes - not just the ones in the spotlight, but the ones by our side every day.

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