Photocall notice: Crufts 2024

CRUFTS IS BACK: DIVERSE DOGS – LITTLE AND LARGE, POPULAR AND UNUSUAL – LAUNCH THE WORLD'S GREATEST CANINE CELEBRATION  

What:   The official launch of the world's greatest celebration of dogs, Crufts

When:   Tuesday 5 March 2024 at 10.00am

Where:  Outside the NEC, Birmingham (meeting at the Toute Suite, next to the Box Office – parking in East 1 car park).

Postcode: B40 1NT

Who:   Photo opportunities include:

The unusual and popular dogs:

• The UK's disappearing little and large breeds – the petite and distinctive Sealyham Terrier and gentle giant, the Irish Wolfhound, which are amongst the record number of native breeds deemed to be 'Vulnerable' in 2024, and at risk of disappearing from the UK. Crufts is bringing these breeds to the masses, with a unique Discover Dogs exhibition, celebrating its 30th anniversary at the show this year. Visitors can meet over 200 breeds in this area, over all four days of the event.
• A gaggle of the UK's most popular breeds, and amongst the top breeds entered at Crufts: the Labrador (UK's number one breed and 519 are in the running for Best in Show 2024) and the Cocker Spaniel (421 are running for Best in Show)

Trying out the array of dynamic canine sports showcased at Crufts, where every dog has its day:

• A team of impressively well-trained dogs who will showcase what it takes to be a Gold level 'Good Citizen' dog at Crufts
• A variety of dogs leaping Crufts agility jumps and trying out new canine activity, hoopers

Further information:

Over 24,000 dogs of all shapes and sizes are heading to Birmingham in a couple of days to take part in Crufts, the greatest dog show in the world. 

Around 220 different breeds will begin their journey to Best in Show on Thursday, with hundreds of the most agile, impressive and athletic dogs competing in different competitions including agility and flyball. New for this year, the event will showcase hoopers in the main arena – a low impact and inclusive activity for dogs and owners.

As well as the varied competitions and activities, Crufts also features the Discover Dogs zone, where visitors can meet and greet hundreds of four-legged friends, speak to experts in each breed about what they are like to live with and care for, and find out which breed might be best suited to their lifestyle. It's the 30th anniversary of this unique 'meet and greet' area.

Crufts celebrates the many diverse roles that dogs play in our lives, and sees competitions such as The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, the Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year competition, Obreedience, in which different breeds compete against each other in teams to prove who is the 'goodest dog', and the ever popular fast-paced agility and flyball competitions.