Crufts 2027 main events announced as entries set to open in November
The event schedule for Crufts 2027 has been announced, with the world’s greatest dog show returning to the NEC, Birmingham, from 4 - 7 March 2027. Online entries will open on Monday 17 November 2026, with group judging taking place across the four days as follows:
- Thursday 4 March – Gundog
- Friday 5 March – Working and Pastoral
- Saturday 6 March – Terrier and Hound
- Sunday 7 March – Utility and Toy
The schedule includes yet again the diverse competitions to celebrate all dogs - from agility and working dogs right through to Best in Show.
Following their debut at Crufts in 2026, dog grooming competitions will return for a second year in 2027, this time in Hall 3. In partnership with Artero, the competitions will bring together talented grooming professionals from across the UK and beyond, from emerging talent to experienced experts, to celebrate the skill, creativity and precision behind the profession. Entries open on Wednesday 14 October 2026, with further details to be announced in the coming weeks.
Event schedule
The Royal Kennel Club has announced that the following competitions will take place on these dates:
Thursday 4 March 2026
Main Arena
- Crufts Novice Cup Agility
- Crufts Agility Championship (Intermediate and Large height dogs)
- Junior Warrant final
- Breeders Competition final
- Vulnerable Native British and Irish Breeds competition final
- Heelwork to Music competition
- Young Royal Kennel Club (YRKC) Agility Jumping Cup
- Flyball team competition – Last 16
- Gamekeepers competition final
Hall 3 – Crufts Dog Grooming Competition ring
- Beginner’s grooming class
- Intermediate grooming class
- Handstrip class
- Pure breed scissor class
Hall 5 – Obedience Ring
- Inter-Regional Rally competition
- Obreedience competition
Friday 5 March 2026
Main arena
- Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling final
- Crufts Medium ABC/Crufts Intermediate ABC/Crufts Large ABC Agility
- Crufts Singles Agility
- Flyball team competition – Last 16
- Freestyle Heelwork to Music competition
Hall 3 - Crufts Dog Grooming Competition ring
- Asian style grooming class
- Spaniel and Setter grooming class
Hall 5 – Obedience Ring
- Inter-Regional Obedience competition
- YRKC Novice & High Flyers Obedience finals
Good Citizen Dog Training Ring
- ALL-Breedience final
Saturday 6 March 2026
Main Arena
- Crufts International Agility competition
- Scruffts semi-finals and final
- Freestyle Heelwork to Music International competition
- YRKC Agility Dog of the Year finals
- Flyball Team - quarter finals
Hall 3
Crufts Dog Grooming Competition ring
- Terrier & Hound grooming class
- Poodles grooming class
- Workshop competition
Good Citizen Dog Training Ring
- Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Special Pre- Beginner Obedience Stakes Grand final
Hall 5 – Obedience Ring
- Obedience Championships (bitches)
Sunday 8 March 2026
Main Arena
- Crufts Agility Championship (Small and Medium height dogs)
- Flyball Team semi-finals and finals
- YRKC Stakes Final
- Crufts Hero Dog Awards
- Best in Show and presentation
- Crufts Dog Grooming Competition - Overall Winner
Hall 3
- Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Special Pre- Beginner Obedience Stakes final for YRKC members
Hall 5 – Obedience Ring
- Obedience Championship (dogs)
Earlier dog removal time for exhibitors
Alongside the new additions, changes for Crufts 2027 will offer greater flexibility for exhibitors and help make the show experience more manageable for dogs and the people showing them.
From Crufts 2027, exhibitors will be able to remove their dogs from the NEC from 3pm each day, bringing the permitted removal time forward by one hour from 4pm.
The change follows feedback from exhibitors and will give those who wish to begin their journeys home earlier greater flexibility, including to help manage travel arrangements and traffic. The revised time will continue to balance exhibitors’ needs with the experience of visitors, helping to ensure there are dogs at their benches and in the rings for visitors to see throughout the day.
Jannine Edgar, Chief Executive of Royal Kennel Club said: “Crufts is constantly evolving to reflect the needs and interests of our community, while staying true to what makes it such a special event for dogs and the people who love them. The health and wellbeing of dogs always remains at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to ensuring Crufts continues to provide a positive experience for dogs, exhibitors and visitors alike.
“We’re also pleased to build on the success of our inaugural dog grooming competitions in 2026, with their return in a dedicated space in Hall 3.
"Alongside these additions, we’ve listened to feedback from exhibitors and introduced practical changes, including an earlier dog removal time. Together, these developments reflect our commitment to evolving Crufts in a way that supports our community, celebrates our relationship with dogs and puts their health and welfare first.”
Further competition times and events are still to be announced. Up-to-date information can be found at crufts.org.uk.
