Crufts 2026: 40 adorably fluffy snaps capture dogs and owners gathering to put on a show in Birmingham's NEC
Crufts 2026 is underway, with thousands of dogs and their owners gathering at the NEC in Birmingham for the first day of the world’s largest dog show.
Held every year, Crufts celebrates everything to do with dogs, from breed judging in the show ring to agility, obedience and flyball competitions.
First founded in 1891, the four-day event attracts competitors and visitors from across the UK and around the world. This year, the event will run from March 5 to March 8 - featuring appearances from police dogs and pampered pooches.
Day one traditionally features judging for the Terrier and Hound groups, along with demonstrations, shopping stands and opportunities for visitors to meet a wide range of dog breeds.
These photos capture some of the highlights from the opening day of Crufts 2026, showing the dogs, handlers and atmosphere as another year of the famous show begins.
Take a look at 40 adorable snaps taken on the first day of Crufts 2026:
Can you see yourself and your furry friend in these pictures? Let us know in the comments below!
Comment Guidelines
Iconic Media encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.