Crufts 2026 opens on Thursday, March 5, featuring the Working and Pastoral dog groups, with winners crowned in the Main Arena by the end of the day. Unlike last year, when these groups were judged on the final day, the event schedule is reshuffled each year to keep the excitement fresh.
The Working group consists of large to giant breeds developed for demanding, non-herding roles such as guarding people, livestock, and property. These dogs boast varied coat types that reflect their native regions and original jobs, including pulling sledges or carts. Known for their strength and determination, Working group dogs have won five Best in Show titles in Crufts history, though the last accolade was awarded in 2008. Judging for this group begins at 6:25 pm.
In contrast, the Pastoral group includes breeds originally bred to herd, protect, and manage livestock. These dogs range from small heelers to giant breeds and feature diverse coat types. Known for their high energy and close working relationships with handlers, Pastoral dogs thrive when challenged with complex tasks. The group has an impressive record of six Best in Show wins, including the most recent in 2024 when Australian Shepherd Viking took the honor. Judging for Pastoral breeds starts at 7:15 pm.
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Here are last year’s 2025 winners and notable finalists to watch for this year:
Working Group 2025
- Winner: Tibetan Mastiff, Dzhozias Viking (“Viking”)
- Reserve: Newfoundland, Ch Sandbears Masterpiece
- Third: Alaskan Malamute, Multi Ch Contract with The Devil Sielos Misterija
Pastoral Group 2025
- Winner: Australian Shepherd, Shepherds of Paradise Tsss Milk Shake Please! (“Shake”)
- Reserve: Bearded Collie, Ch Corimist Destiny by Design
- Third: Border Collie, Sh Ch Fayken I Am Love
Day 1 also features a dynamic lineup of agility and obedience events. The Agility Crufts Novice Cup kicks off the action, with competitors from Grades 3 to 5 taking to the green carpet. Winners here may advance to the Crufts Agility Championship for small and medium dogs later in the day. The Young Kennel Club Jumping Cup follows, spotlighting emerging agility talents.
Spectators will also enjoy Heelwork to Music, combining precision obedience and choreography set to music, followed by the thrilling Junior Warrant competition for top pedigree dogs aged six to eighteen months.
The Breeders competition, held at 6 pm, showcases teams bred by the same breeder or partnership, who accrued points during 2025 championship shows. This event kicks off the evening before the anticipated group judging.
Day 1 Main Arena Schedule:
- 08:15 Agility Crufts Novice Cup (Jumping)
- 09:25 Agility Championship Small/Medium (Jumping)
- 10:30 Heelwork to Music Competition
- 12:30 Agility Crufts Novice Cup Final (Agility)
- 13:25 Agility Championship Small/Medium (Agility)
- 14:15 Young Kennel Club Jumping Cup
- 15:12 Flyball – Last 16
- 15:55 West Midlands Police Display
- 17:00 Agility Championship Small/Medium Final & Dog Grooming Presentation
- 17:40 Junior Warrant Competition Final
- 18:00 Breeders Competition
- 18:25 Working Group Judging & Presentation
- 19:15 Pastoral Group Judging & Presentation
- 20:05 Program Ends
In the Obedience Ring, inter-regional rally competitions begin at 9 am with Levels 1-4, followed by advanced Level 5-6 events from 2:45 pm. The Obreedience team event takes place at noon, featuring coordinated heelwork and exercises.
The Young Kennel Club hosts additional events in Hall 8, including graduate agility, rally, freestyle heelwork to music, and group finals for the Working and Pastoral groups.
The GCDTS Ring highlights para-obedience for handlers with mobility challenges alongside scentwork demonstrations by the Nuneaton Dog Training Club.
Attendees can also participate in “Have a Go” sessions at the Dog Activities Stand in Hall 3 on Days 1 and 2. These interactive experiences allow visitors to try a variety of dog activities with experienced handlers, providing a fun introduction to working with professionally trained dogs.
Crufts 2026 Day 1 promises a thrilling day of competition, showcasing the intelligence, agility, and dedication of the working and pastoral breeds that are essential to the canine world.