Crufts is one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world, showcasing the best dogs from around the globe. It has been held annually in Birmingham, England, since 1891 and is an event eagerly anticipated by dog lovers from all over the world. Here's a brief history of the event, including some of the most memorable moments from recent years.
The history of Crufts dates back to the mid-19th century when a man named Charles Cruft, who was a travelling salesman for dog biscuits, noticed the growing popularity of dog shows in Britain. In 1891, he decided to start his own dog show, and the first Crufts dog show was held in Islington, London. There were 2,437 entries, and the winner was a greyhound named Primley Sceptre.
Over the years, Crufts has grown in size and stature, attracting dogs and dog-lovers from all over the world. The show has been held annually, with the exception of a few years during World War I and World War II. In 1979, the show moved to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, where it has been held ever since.
Crufts has become a hugely significant event in the world of dogs, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the competitions on television. The event has even spawned its own controversies over the years, with debates about breeding practices and the welfare of dogs taking centre stage.
Despite these controversies, Crufts remains a beloved event for dog enthusiasts, and over the years, it has produced its fair share of memorable moments and funny stories. Here are a few of the most notable:
In 2017, a Cocker Spaniel named Zola stole the show during the agility competition. Zola's owner, Kath Hardman, had trained her dog well, but during the agility course, Zola, in perhaps typical cocker style, decided to do her own thing - watch her in action!
And in 2018, a rescue dog named Kratu stole the hearts of viewers when he went off-script during the agility course. Kratu was a Carpathian-Mioritic mix, and his owner, Tessa Eagle Swan, had rescued him from Romania. During the agility course, Kratu ignored the obstacles and instead ran around in circles, crawled through tunnels backwards, and even stopped to play with a pole. Despite his antics, Kratu's joy and enthusiasm won over the audience, and he became an instant fan favourite.
This year Crufts will be held from March 9th-12th, 2023, at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England. With the event approaching, dog lovers from all over the world are eagerly awaiting the results and looking forward to seeing the best of the best compete.
If you're not attending in person, you can see coverage on Channel 4 each day that Crufts is on.
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