The Crufts Dilemma
- Victoria Elsmore
- Mar 12
- 5 min read
Here are some thoughts on the history, the celebration and the controversy of the world's largest dog show.
Victoria Elsmore/ All Tails Media/ 10th March 2025
The most important, energetic and emotionally charged date in the canine calendar has been and gone and the NEC, Birmingham, once again falls into a lull of grey stillness. The cacophany of barks and howls has subsided and the areas inside and outside of the arena now only whirs with the mechanic sounds of air conditioning units and passing traffic. Arguably, the NEC's most popular event in the year, the event takes up an entire 5 exhibition halls full of exhibitors, dogs and canine capers. In addition, the BP Pulse arena is alive with a full four day programme of entertainment, competition and educational demonstrations to touch the heart and inspire awe in all dog lovers.
Crufts was established in 1891 by Charles Cruft, who had a vision to bring the best dogs in the country together in one event. The first ever Crufts was attended by over 2000 dogs and took place at The Roya Agricultural Hall in Islington, London. The show celebrated its centenary in 1991 and continued to grow in popularity,
It is rare in today's media and social media climate that an organisation the size of The Kennel Club, with an international event such as Crufts would slip past the notice of those critical of their operations. It is inevitable that there will be those to which it does not appeal and those who find it abhorrent. It is unsuprising that the famous dog show as with any celebrity entity should fall fowl of public criticism. So, what is there to be experienced at Crufts?
There is an overwhelming sense of celebration when you hop on one of the many NEC shuttle busses. They are usually full to the rivets with dog lovers and you are likely to be sharing the space with a number of dogs too. The atmosphere is playful, anticipatory and conversation is easy as everyone on that bus, in that moment has something in common.
Crufts attracts over 130,000 national and international dog-loving visitors each year and plays host to over 24,000 dogs. Visitors travel from as far as Australia to support friends, breeds and share in the mutual love of dogs. Whilst the parade of canine entrants at varying stages of the grooming process pile into the arena side doors is a spectacle to behold,
visitors that attend Crufts each year are not motivated by spectacle but most often by the pursuit of education, retail and the celebration of the species they love the most.
Each hall is alive with conversation. Snippets of nutritional, behavioural and health advice can be heard being passed from professional to person as you inevitably and inadvertantly dip in and out of the chatter between people as you pass through the halls. Trade stands represent diverse subjects and sectors from dog food brands, pet insurance and supplements through to dog training, health testing and charities such as the Canine Blood Bank and Therapy Dogs Nationwide. Conversations and relationships are kindled and later grown as organisations are given a platform to talk about the subjects closest to their hearts such as detection dog training, nature and conservation dog initiatives and support dogs.
Discover Dogs an annual and predominating feature in halls 3a and 3b provides hands on experience and celebration of the vast diversity of breeds in the seven dog group classifications. Discover Dogs is run by an enormous army of volunteers who attend with their dogs each year. It remains the easiest place to view representatives from over 200 breeds and ask questions of those owners and handlers that know the breed best. From giant Irish Wolfhound cuddles through to the steady eyes and touchable golden silky fur of the golden retriever all are available at Discover Dogs, where you can learn about temperament, care, needs and health and welfare.
Crufts not only welcomes all ages, but within the multitudinal facets of the dog world The Kennel Club actively supports, encourages and inspires younger generations, whilst Crufts showcases young talent.
This year The Young Kennel Club (YKC) celebrates its 40th anniversary. It was the brain child of Daphne MacDougall, who in the 1980s pioneered the idea that younger voices should be supported and inspired through their own organisation within the Kennel Club. Today, the YKC supports education, training and competitions in 9 different competitive disciplines for children and young adults aged between 6 and 24. Ashleigh and Pudsey, Britains Got Talent winners in 2012 began their journey with the YKC as well as Kate and Gin of 2008 BGT success. At Crufts, there is a kids zone and a full programme of Young Kennel Club competitions and demonstrations. There are numerous events, workshops and a Summer Camp scheduled for 2025 to nurture and inspire young dog lovers nationwide.
But What About The Controversy Surrounding Crufts?
The controversey originates from a expose programme aired by the BBC in August 2008, spotlighting breed-specific health concerns propagated by breed standards and judging practises. The programme explored alarming stories about the prevalance of syringomyelia in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and MVD, the health problems in brachycephalic breeds such as the pug, and hip and joint problems in larger breeds including the German Shepherd.
The sad reality of some of the breeds that we have created over the past 200 years, but defintiely something that can be addressed with modern science and a progressive approach to pedigree breeding. The British Veterinary Association have published a science-based action plan specifically in relation to brachycephalic breeds. It promotes the co-operation of all stakeholders, a review of breed standards and supports the introduction of supervised, carefully selected outcrossings to maintain the breeds, whilst introducting new genetic material to reduce the overpronounced short muzzle. It also supports The Kennel Club's own initiative to develop breed health and conservation plans.
The breed health and conservation plans are a group of documents compiled collaboratively with The Kennel Club and breed clubs to identify health weaknesses , prioritise, advise and develop strategies to mitigate against their occurrances.
Despite the history of controversy, pedigree breeding remains the only regulated form of breeding and registering puppies with a traceable generational record monitored by an experienced and formal association.
The breeding of designer crossbreeds does not mitigate against the occurrance of hereditory conditions. The practise is unregulated and there is a noteable absence of a meaningful documentation tracking generational crosses. Hereditory information is therefore limited; reducing the ability to identify, trace and improve the genetic history and health of future generations.
Halls Full of Love
Crufts remains an event for the celebration of dogs of all shapes, sizes and origin. It provides a platform for charities, businesses and associations to educate, inform and showcase their values, products and initiatives. Crufts attracts an international audience, the attention of the world's press and live TV coverage, provided by Channel 4. The world is drawn together in a mutual love of dogs across four glorious days of canine capers.
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