Day 2 of Crufts 2026, taking place on Friday, March 6, promises thrilling competition as the terrier and hound groups vie for top honors in the Main Arena. This year, their judging occurs a day later than in 2025, setting the stage for a packed schedule of exciting events.
Terriers, known for their spirited and fearless nature, mostly hail from the UK. Aside from the larger Airedale, most terrier breeds are small in size but big in personality. Bred originally to hunt rodents in various environments, these dogs are alert, courageous, and always ready for adventure. Terriers have been a dominant force at Crufts, claiming 22 Best in Show titles. Their judging begins at 6:25 pm.
Hounds, on the other hand, come in a spectacular range of sizes—from the tiny Miniature Dachshund to the majestic Irish Wolfhound. Developed as hunting companions, hounds possess keen eyesight and an extraordinary sense of smell, enabling them to track scents over long distances. Reflecting this legacy, hounds have secured 13 Best in Show wins, including last year’s champion, the Italian Whippet Miuccia. Hound judging is set for 7:15 pm.
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Let’s take a moment to recall last year’s top performers:
Terrier Group 2025 Winner:
- Jack Russell Terrier: Totgree’s Hannabell (Mr S. Sgura)
Reserve: Kerry Blue Terrier: Cze Ch Edbrios Tequila
Other finalists: Welsh Terrier, Border Terrier, Bedlington Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Wire Fox Terrier, Skye Terrier
Hound Group 2025 Winner:
- Whippet: Int/multi Ch Una Donna Che Conta (Mrs A Corradini)
Reserve: Afghan Hound: Am Gch Zaida Bint Muti von Haussman
Other finalists: Irish Wolfhound, Pharaoh Hound, Greyhound, Borzoi, Long-haired Dachshund, Griffon Fauve De Bretagne
The day opens bright and early with the Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling competition starting at 8:30 am. This competition features young handlers aged 12 to 19, who demonstrate their skills working with unfamiliar breeds after just an hour of preparation. The final judging will take place at 6:05 pm.
Other highlights include the freestyle heelwork to music competition at 11:55 am, showcasing impressive routines where dogs perform a variety of free-position moves. The agility events also shine throughout the day, featuring Novice ABC competitions and singles finals covering all dog sizes, kicking off their finals from 2:25 pm and wrapping up by 4:55 pm.
The Vulnerable Breeds competition final will take place at 5:40 pm, highlighting breeds with fewer than 300 annual births—a unique event exclusive to the UK.
Here’s the full Day 2 Main Arena schedule at a glance:
- 08:30 – Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling
- 10:20 – Agility: Medium, Intermediate, Large ABC Finals (Jumping)
- 11:00 – Agility Singles Heat – Small to Large (Jumping)
- 11:55 – Freestyle Heelwork to Music Competition
- 13:10 – Break
- 13:30 – Agility Singles Heat – Small to Large (Agility)
- 14:25 – Novice ABC Finals (Medium & Intermediate/Large) (Agility)
- 15:00 – Build Flyball
- 15:12 – Flyball Team – Last 16
- 15:50 – Freestyle Heelwork to Music Winner Announcement
- 15:55 – West Midlands Police Dog Display
- 16:20 – Break
- 16:55 – Agility Singles Final (Small to Large) & Dog Grooming Presentation
- 17:40 – Vulnerable Breeds Final
- 18:05 – Joe Cartledge Memorial Final Judging
- 18:25 – Terrier Group Judging & Presentation
- 19:15 – Hound Group Judging & Presentation
- 20:05 – End of Programme
Day 2’s action is not limited to the Main Arena. In the Obedience Ring, the Inter-Regional Obedience competition starts promptly at 9:00 am, featuring teams from seven UK regions. At 12:30 pm visitors can enjoy a demonstration by the International Canine Federation (FCI), the largest global federation of kennel clubs.
The Young Kennel Club Ring wraps up the day with the YKC any variety terrier and hound stakes finals, preceded by High Flyers obedience and competitions for handlers aged 18 to 24.
Meanwhile, the GCDTS Ring hosts the ALL-Breedience Grand Final from 11:15 am, where various breeds compete head-to-head in obedience exercises.
Throughout Crufts 2026, the Discover Dogs exhibition in Hall 3 remains a must-visit, featuring over 200 breeds recognized by the Royal Kennel Club. This year welcomes three newly recognized breeds: the Hungarian Mudi, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Pyrenean Mastiff. Visitors can meet owners, breeders, and gain expert advice on training, grooming, and selecting the perfect breed for their lifestyle.
Day 2 at Crufts 2026 offers a full slate of thrilling competitions, breed showcases, and canine performances, celebrating the rich diversity and talent within the terrier and hound groups.