Retrievers reign among record number of global canine competitors announced for Crufts
A record number of dogs from across the world are set to compete at Crufts, with retrievers the largest number of one breed from abroad.
Crufts, which is taking place next month at the NEC Birmingham, will see more than 24,000 dogs from 51 different countries compete in hundreds of competitions, displays and demonstrations, over four days.
Hailed as the world’s greatest celebration of man’s best friend, the 2025 event will follow more than 200 breeds on the journey to the famous Best in Show finale, with the trophy awarded live on the evening of Sunday, March 9.
Almost 4,000 dogs from overseas will be in contention for Best in Show, meaning over a fifth of ‘top dogs’ who’ve qualified for the prestigious event are from outside of the UK.
The debut of an increased number of international dogs on the Crufts stage in 2002, when the ‘pet passport scheme’ was first introduced, saw a Standard Poodle from Norway, Nordic Champion Topscore Contradiction, went all the way to Best in Show, and was the first overseas dog to win the title.
There have been another six Best in Show winners from abroad since, including from Canada, Belgium, Croatia and the US.
In total, four-legged representatives from 51 countries will be taking part in the world’s greatest dog event this year, from Canada to Croatia. France leads the way with 475 dogs in the running for the Crufts top title, just ahead of Germany (407), the Netherlands (376) and Italy (360).
Last year’s Best in Show winner was Viking, the three-year-old Australia Shepherd, who is owned by the UK’s John Shaw, Kerry Kirtley and Melanie Raymond, who said the win at Crufts was “a dream”.
Bill Lambert, spokesman for The Kennel Club which organises Crufts, said: “Crufts is an iconic British event, with a truly international feel.
“We look forward to bringing dogs, owners and visitors from all over the globe together at the show, where they will be treated to another fantastic celebration of our unique bond with man’s best friend.”
Leading the pack with the most entries for this year’s show is the Golden Retriever, with 509 dogs hoping to be crowned top dog, just ahead of the Labrador with 485 and the Cocker Spaniel with 418.
In contrast, the Foxhound and the Sloughi each have just six dogs vying for the Best in Show title, while there is only one Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) and one Turkish Kangal Dog entered, highlighting that the show is a true celebration of all dogs, from the well-known to the rare.
Crufts takes place from March 6 to March 9 with tickets available at crufts.org.uk.
Details of TV coverage and live streaming from the event can be found at crufts.org.uk/show-information/how-to-watch-crufts/.
