Crufts 2017: More Than Just a Show

Crufts: not just a show

Held at the NEC in Birmingham over four consecutive days, Crufts has grown into the largest dog show in the world, with almost 22,000 dogs shown in recent years. Founded in 1891 as a modest show, it outgrew both Earls Court and Olympia in London before settling at the NEC, now spanning five halls.

How a dog wins Best in Show

Dogs first win their breed category (best puppy, best veteran, and so on) until only Best Dog and Best Bitch remain per breed. These winners progress to their group final, and group winners are reduced to seven finalists who compete for the overall Best in Show title, the most coveted accolade in the show world, though the prize money has famously stayed at just £100 since the award was introduced in 1928.

Who won in 2017

Out of the roughly 22,000 dogs entered that year, Best in Show 2017 went to an American Cocker Spaniel, with a Miniature Poodle taking runner-up. It's a reminder of how much variety genuinely makes it to that final ring, from small companion breeds to working dogs, all judged against the same breed standard rather than against each other directly until the very last stage.

More than a competition

Crufts is also a one-stop shop for dog owners, hundreds of stands sell everything from toys and beds to grooming kit, crates and kennels, and leading training bodies including the IMDT, BIPDT and APDT all exhibit, offering real help for owners and aspiring trainers alike, including plenty of advice on the basics of positive reinforcement if you're new to reward-based methods. Dog sports including flyball, agility, obedience and heelwork to music hold major finals at the show too, and the Kennel Club, who organise it each year, also run schemes like the Young Kennel Club to help younger people get involved with dogs.

Getting the right support

Get in touch if you're considering competitive training or showing with your dog, we cover this as part of our wider social enrichment work. You can read more about who we are and how Royvon started, including our own history as pioneers in residential dog training, and see what current clients say in our success stories.