Crufts 2025

For those who have qualified for Crufts for the first time, congratulations! 

Below are some useful things to know about Crufts, mainly pulled from the show schedule. However my piece of advice is, enjoy it. Crufts IS the biggest dog show in the world. And you got there! We all aim to qualify for Crufts and its a great achievement. If this is your first time at Crufts try and enjoy it. It is stressful, it is a long day and you will probably spend too much money and your feet will hurt at the end of it. There will be a lot of people there, exhibitors and the general public. There will be a lot of trade stands and places to visit, like Discover Dogs or the main rings. However, please remember your dog. If you leave your dog on the bench or in its cage, make sure someone can watch them while you are gone. I wouldn't advise taking your dog with you while walking around the trade stands as they can get very busy and your dog can get trodden on and may not be use to crowds of people. It is a long day for them as well, so make sure they are rested, go for wees (in the designated areas) and have water. This is a new experience for your dog as well. There will be tannoy announcements, they will be showing on carpet which may have all sorts of smells on and there will be lots of people. 

Hall & Ring Numbers

In the schedule you will find the Provisional Order of Judging. This will tell you which Hall and which Ring your breed is being judged in. This is important. There are 5 halls at Crufts and 36 rings so you need to know where you are aiming for. 

Crufts Ring Layout

This image shows the proposed Crufts Halls and Ring Layout. 

The NEC

You can download an NEC Site map which will show you roughly where you need to go. My advice is, if you see someone else with the same breed as you, follow them. 

Parking at Crufts 2025

All Dog show exhibitors will be directed to park in either South or East car parks ( NO WEST CAR PARK). Shuttle buses run from South and East car parks all day which take dogs. Crufts Car Parking tickets can be purchased in advance via www.thenec.co.uk/visitors/parking at a rate of £13.95 per day. The charge if paid on the day is £18.95. You can enter the NEC via doors 1.1, 1.2, 3.1.  REMEMBER WHERE YOU PARKED and how to get back to your specific car park. It might be worth taking a picture of the car park sign and where you parked with your phone so that you find it later. (I know a few people who have got lost around the NEC car park.)

Benches

Crufts is a benched show. A bench is an area for your dog to stay in. (as pictured). You will find your ring number on the top of your bench. You will know your ring number from the passes that are sent to you. You are usually benched in alphabetical order of your surname unless otherwise requested when entering. The bench sizes are different for different sized breeds. If you are taking a cage to put your dog in, check with someone in your breed to find out what size is best. And remember you will have to carry everything from the carpark to the show. 

Admission Passes 

Exhibitors will be admitted to the show on production of their passes. Exhibitors will receive a free admission pass for each dog entered. Partners (i.e. two or more registered owners) entering ONE DOG ONLY will receive ONE additional free helper's pass. An exhibitor entering ONE dog only which is owned by only ONE person is also entitled to an additional free helper's pass. Further admission passes can be purchased at a reduced rate for any day. If entering on-line your exhibitor pass will be electronic this year and must be downloaded from your on-line account at www.fossedata.co.uk. You will receive e-mail notification that your passes are available for download approximately two weeks before the show. Exhibitors entering by post will receive their exhibitor pass by post in the usual way. Ring numbers will be on your bench on arrival at the Show. 

Extra Passes -  Exhibitors will receive a free Adult admission pass for each dog entered. If only entering 1 dog, you will get 2 adult passes. 

Enter 1 Dog you will get 2 Adult Passes free

Enter 2 Dogs you will get 2 Adult Passes free

Enter 3 Dogs you will get 3 Adult Passes free

Enter 4 Dogs you will get 4 Adult Passes free

Further admission passes can be purchased on the Crufts Website.  

USEFUL QUESTIONS ANSWERED 

What time should I arrive at Crufts with my dog(s)? It is advised that you arrive at the show between 7.00 am and 8.00 am. After this time the traffic to the show becomes very busy and it is best to arrive early so that you may settle the dog on its bench. Please allow an hour to get from the car park to your bench in the mornings. There are shuttle buses from some of the car parks and the buses also take dogs. Judging starts in most rings at 9am.

What do I need to bring with me?  

• Dog bowl and water 
• Your own food and beverages - there are cafes on site but they are expensive and there are long queues.  
• Grooming brushes etc  
• Blanket or cage for the bench (check bench sizes if bringing a cage).
• Passes 
• Foldable Chairs
• Wear Comfy Shoes! 

Where can I exercise my dog? There are specific inside exercise areas (filled with wood shavings). You can take your dog outside to a designated exercise area, but there is no grass area and you will need your removal pass to go outside with your dog. 

When can I leave the show? There is a set time of 4.00 pm which all exhibitors can leave the show. Early removals are only given in exceptional circumstances. 

What happens if I win Best of Breed? You will be given an envelope with information and told by the steward to report to the Arena collecting ring by a specific time. The Group stewards can also help you. Once you are in the Arena, you will be told how the Group judging will proceed. 

ALL BEST OF BREED PRE-GROUP CHECK: A basic final check of each Best of Breed will be undertaken in the collecting ring by an official from the show management and vet teams.