Day 4 of Crufts 2026, taking place on Sunday, March 8, promises to be an exhilarating conclusion to the renowned dog show. The spotlight will be on the Gundog group as judges select the final winner, setting the stage for the prestigious Best in Show competition in the evening.
Gundogs, originally bred to assist hunters in the UK and Europe as well as some American breeds, include iconic types such as Spaniels, Pointers, and Setters. Known for their friendly and sociable nature, they make excellent family pets while also thriving on active lifestyles. Historically, Gundogs have been the most successful group at Crufts, boasting 26 Best in Show victories, with the English Cocker Spaniel leading the pack with seven wins.
The Gundog judging will take place in the Main Arena at 6:50 pm, culminating in the selection of the seven finalists for Best in Show. The ultimate winner, who will succeed last year’s champion Italian Whippet Miuccia, will be announced after 8:30 pm and will receive the prestigious Keddell Memorial Trophy.
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A recap of 2025’s Gundog winners:
- Winner: English Cocker Spaniel, Sh Ch Zheridons Blanche (“Suzie”)
- Reserve: Pointer, Sh Ch Wilchrimane Frankly Darlin
- Third: Labrador Retriever, Sh Ch/int Ch/nld Ch Lab Spb Gazprom Ew23/24
- Fourth: Clumber Spaniel, Sh Ch Vanitonia Soloist
Other finalists included English Setter, German Shorthaired Pointer, Curly Coated Retriever, and Spanish Water Dog.
Best in Show 2025 was clinched by the Hound Group winner, Whippet “Miuccia,” with the Working Group winner Tibetan Mastiff “Viking” as the reserve.
Day 4 offers a full slate of thrilling events:
- Early morning agility competitions for intermediate and large dogs commence with jumping at 8:35 am, followed by agility at 12:05 pm and finals at 5:00 pm (post 4:15 pm events require tickets).
- A unique Rescue Dog Agility demonstration is slated for 9:40 am.
- Flyball, one of the fastest paced events featuring relay races where dogs jump hurdles, catch balls, and sprint back, will run from the afternoon with semi-finals and final starting at 4:30 pm.
- The Royal Kennel Club’s Dog Grooming Championship winners will be revealed at 5:45 pm.
- The Gamekeepers competition final, hosted by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), takes place at 6:15 pm.
- The Royal Kennel Club’s Hero Dog Award, voted on by the public from five finalists, will be presented at 5:55 pm.
- A special Gundog display will precede the group judging.
Additionally, the Obedience Ring will host the Obedience Championships for bitches starting at 9:00 am, while the Young Kennel Club features a variety of competitions including gundog stakes, agility races, and team pair agility for young handlers.
As the day winds down, the Best in Show event will cap off Crufts 2026 in the Main Arena, bringing together the finest canine competitors in an unforgettable celebration of dogs’ skill, temperament, and beauty.
Full Day 4 Main Arena Schedule Highlights:
- 8:35 am: Agility Jumping (Intermediate/Large)
- 9:40 am: Rescue Dog Agility Demonstration
- 12:05 pm: Agility (Intermediate/Large)
- 4:30 pm: Flyball Semi-finals and Final
- 5:45 pm: Dog Grooming Championship Presentation
- 5:55 pm: Royal Kennel Club Hero Dog Award
- 6:15 pm: Gamekeepers Competition Final
- 6:50 pm: Gundog Group Judging and Presentation
- 8:30 pm: Best in Show Announcement and Presentation
Crufts Day 4 guarantees an action-packed finale filled with remarkable dog performances, competitions, and heartwarming moments.