Crufts is returning to The NEC, Birmingham, from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th March 2026. Organised by The Kennel Club, Crufts is widely recognised as the world’s premier dog show, attracting thousands of competitors, visitors and more than 200 distinct pedigree breeds across four packed days of competition, performance and trade display.

For professional dog groomers, whether in busy salons, competition circuits or home setups, Crufts functions as a landmark annual event. It’s not just about seeing top dogs in the ring; it’s about understanding presentation standards, networking with suppliers, and gaining first-hand insight into practices that often shape grooming trends across the year.

A Brief History and Significance of Crufts

Founded in 1891 by Charles Cruft, Crufts has grown into the largest and most prestigious dog show of its kind in the world. The event has been held at the NEC Birmingham since 1991 and draws competitors from across the UK and overseas.

Crufts is fundamentally a championship conformation show, where dogs compete within their breed for Challenge Certificates and ultimately the coveted Best in Show title. In addition to breed judging, Crufts also showcases canine athleticism and teamwork through agility, obedience, rally and freestyle heelwork to music, flyball and other performance arenas, all of which add to the richness of its four-day schedule.

This breadth of competition shows not only the dog’s physical and trained excellence but also the careful preparation and presentation groomers invest in their coats and overall appearance.

Crufts 2026: What the Schedule Looks Like

Crufts divides its competition days by major breed groups, giving visitors and exhibitors a structured way to plan their time:

  • Thursday 5th March: Working and Pastoral groups
  • Friday 6th March: Terrier and Hound groups
  • Saturday 7th March: Utility and Toy groups
  • Sunday 8th March: Gundog group and Best in Show finale

Each day also includes additional competition formats such as agility, obedience and heelwork to music, providing a comprehensive celebration of canine performance and handling.

2026 also marks the introduction of expanded space and a focus on young handlers and grooming talent. A new exhibit area, Hall 8, will be dedicated to the Young Kennel Club and will host brand-new dog grooming competitions intended to elevate grooming artistry within show contexts.

This development is significant for the grooming community, as it creates a direct platform within Crufts for groomers to be recognised not just as technical preparers of dogs but as skilled exhibitors in their own right.

What Groomers Can Learn from Crufts

For many professional and aspiring groomers, Crufts 2026 is more than a show; it’s an annual benchmark.

Presentation Standards Seen Live

Top breed grooming is visible in every ring, and the way coats are prepared, trimmed and finished at this level often informs wider industry trends. Observation of elite techniques can inspire professionals to rethink their own preparation routines and standards.

Exposure to Multiple Disciplines

Crufts showcases a range of canine disciplines beyond breed conformation. This is valuable for groomers because different performance classes highlight specific handling qualities (such as coat management during agility) that can influence everyday grooming practices.

Understanding Qualifying Standards

Dogs competing at Crufts must meet clear qualification criteria, including success at championship shows and recognised trials throughout the previous year. This pedigree and performance strength feed into overall grooming expectations.

The Trade Exhibition – A Groomer’s Opportunity

One of Crufts biggest draws for grooming professionals is the sprawling trade exhibition. Across multiple halls at the NEC, hundreds of exhibitors showcase:

Unlike online research, seeing and handling these products in person provides a unique perspective on quality, ergonomics and performance information that can directly inform investment decisions back in your salon or mobile setup.

This part of Crufts often leads groomers to explore upgrades, refine workflows and test cutting-edge products that might not otherwise be easily compared side-by-side.

How to Buy Tickets for Crufts 2026

Tickets for Crufts 2026 are available directly through the official Crufts website. Visitors can purchase day tickets online in advance, with options for individual days or group attendance.

As the event attracts significant numbers, particularly on Friday and Saturday, booking early is recommended.

For official ticket information and pricing, visit the Crufts website via The Kennel Club.

Visiting Crufts 2026: Practical Planning

As one of the UK’s best-connected exhibition venues, The NEC Birmingham makes planning your trip straightforward. It is easily accessible via the M6 and M42 motorways, with dedicated on-site parking available. Birmingham Station is within walking distance, and Birmingham Airport connects directly via the Air-Rail Link.

Crufts can be very busy, especially on Friday and Saturday, so it helps to identify priorities before arriving. If your focus is on the trade halls or specific breed groups, planning means you won’t miss key opportunities to connect with exhibitors or observe competition features important to your professional development.

What If You Can’t Attend in Person?

Not every groomer can make the trip to Birmingham, and that’s completely understandable. Many product launches showcased at Crufts are also reflected in online catalogues and upcoming seasonal releases throughout the year.

Staying connected with industry blogs, supplier announcements and community forums ensures you won’t miss insight or innovation coming out of the event, even if you’re not there in person.

Crufts 2026 and Professional Development

Crufts has long influenced the grooming calendar. By bringing together:

  • Elite performance competition
  • Pedigree presentation at the highest level
  • New spaces for grooming talent
  • A major industry trade exhibition

… it reinforces professional standards, sparks inspiration and showcases innovation that often shapes trends throughout the year.

Attending Crufts, whether for live insight or inspired planning, is an investment in your professional perspective. It’s where presentation, performance and product meet under one roof.

Looking Ahead

From new grooming competitions in Hall 8 to world-class breed judging and trade exhibitions packed with the latest tools and technologies, Crufts 2026 promises to be meaningful for every groomer at every stage of their career.

If you’re planning upgrades this year, whether for a salon, mobile unit or home setup – now is the time to prepare, observe and absorb what the world’s greatest dog show has on offer.

We look forward to seeing you at Crufts 2026, NEC Birmingham 5th to 8th March.

Visit Us at Crufts 2026 – Hall 3, Stand 158

We’ll be exhibiting at Crufts 2026 in Hall 3, Stand 158, showcasing a focused selection of professional grooming equipment, including:

If you’re planning an upgrade, visiting us in person allows you to see equipment up close, ask technical questions and compare options before investing.

Full details are available on our dedicated Crufts Show page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Crufts important for professional dog groomers?

Crufts sets presentation standards that often influence everyday pet grooming. From coat preparation to scissor finish and handling techniques, competition-level grooming often shapes client expectations throughout the year.

Professional groomers typically choose shampoos based on function rather than scent or brand alone.

Is Crufts relevant if I run a pet grooming salon rather than compete?

Yes. Even if you don’t compete, Crufts provides valuable insight into coat finish, preparation techniques, workflow efficiency and equipment performance that can improve day-to-day salon services.

Can home groomers benefit from attending Crufts 2026?

Absolutely. Crufts is one of the best places to compare professional grooming equipment in person. Many home groomers use the event to upgrade from entry-level tools to more durable, long-term solutions.

What type of grooming equipment is typically showcased at Crufts?

Our Crufts trade stands feature professional grooming baths, high-performance clippers, dryers and blasters, grooming tables, scissor ranges and salon accessories. It’s an opportunity to compare equipment side by side before investing.

Is Crufts a good place to compare grooming brands?

Yes. With hundreds of trade exhibitors present, Crufts allows groomers to assess different brands directly, ask technical questions and see equipment demonstrated in realistic conditions.

Should I plan equipment upgrades around Crufts?

Many groomers use Crufts as a benchmark for reviewing their setup. Seeing equipment in person helps assess performance, build quality and suitability before making long-term investment decisions.

What should groomers plan before attending Crufts

It’s advisable to:

  • Review exhibitor lists in advance
  • Identify equipment you want to compare
  • Prioritise specific halls
  • Allow time for trade stands as well as competition viewing

Planning ahead ensures you make the most of your visit.

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