Crufts 2026 Day 2: Terrier and Hound Groups Schedule and Highlights
Crufts 2026 Day 2: Terrier and Hound Groups Guide

Crufts 2026 Day 2: Terrier and Hound Groups Take Center Stage

The second day of Crufts 2026, scheduled for Friday, March 6, promises an exciting showcase of canine excellence, with the Terrier and Hound groups set to compete for top honors in the Main Arena. This year, the judging for these groups occurs a day later than in the previous edition, adding a fresh twist to the event. We provide a comprehensive overview of what to expect, including a recap of last year's champions and a detailed schedule for the day's activities.

Understanding the Terrier and Hound Groups

Terrier dogs, predominantly originating from the UK, are renowned for their spirited personalities despite their generally small stature, with the Airedale being a notable exception. Historically bred for pest control, these dogs exhibit alertness, courage, and a playful nature, making them favorites among enthusiasts. Terriers hold an impressive record at Crufts, securing 22 Best in Show wins, ranking them as the second-most successful group. Judging for the Terrier group is slated to commence at 6:25 PM.

In contrast, Hound dogs display a remarkable diversity in size, ranging from the diminutive Miniature Dachshund to the majestic Irish Wolfhound. Developed to assist in hunting, hounds possess exceptional eyesight and olfactory senses, enabling them to track scents over long distances with innate running prowess. This group has produced 13 Best in Show winners, including last year's champion, the Italian Whippet named Miuccia. The Hound group judging will follow at 7:15 PM.

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Recap of 2025 Winners

Here is a reminder of the top performers from the Terrier and Hound groups at Crufts 2025:

  • Terrier Group Winner: Jack Russell Terrier: Totgree's Hannabell (owned by Mr S. Sgura)
  • Reserve: Kerry Blue Terrier: Cze Ch Edbrios Tequila (owned by Ms J & Mr P A Poulova & O'Brien)
  • Third Place: Welsh Terrier: Ch Perrisblu The Phantom (owned by Ms C Cole)
  • Fourth Place: Border Terrier: Ch/sui Ch Awbrooksky Never Back Down JW Ww23 (owned by Mr R & Miss L Goddard)

Other finalists included breeds such as the Bedlington Terrier, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Fox Terrier (Wire), and Skye Terrier.

  • Hound Group Winner: Whippet: Int/multi Ch Una Donna Che Conta Euw23 (owned by Mrs A Corradini)
  • Reserve: Afghan Hound: Am Gch Zaida Bint Muti von Haussman (owned by Mr R & Mr S & Mr J & Dr A Podesta & Pfeil & Donahue & Sobrado)
  • Third Place: Irish Wolfhound: Ch Caredig Mafioso (owned by Mrs D E Tebbutt)
  • Fourth Place: Pharaoh Hound: Nor/swe/dk/fin/hr/nord Ch Bazinga Make Love Not War (owned by Mr S T & Mrs L & Mr R Hansen & Stark & Stark)

Additional finalists featured the Greyhound, Borzoi, Dachshund (Long-haired), and Any Variety Imported Breed (Griffon Fauve De Bretagne).

What to Expect on Day 2

The Main Arena will host a variety of competitions throughout the day, starting with the Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling competition at 8:30 AM. This event involves handlers aged 12 to 19 from around the globe, who will work with unfamiliar dogs to demonstrate their skills, with final judging at 6:05 PM. Other highlights include the freestyle heelwork to music competition at 11:55 AM, agility finals for different dog sizes around 4:55 PM, and the Vulnerable Breeds final at 5:40 PM, dedicated to breeds with fewer than 300 annual births.

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Full Day 2 Schedule in the Main Arena

  1. 08:30 - Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling competition
  2. 10:20 - Agility - Crufts Medium ABC/Intermediate ABC/Large ABC Final (Jumping)
  3. 11:00 - Agility - Crufts Singles Heat - S/M/I/L - Jumping
  4. 11:55 - Freestyle Heelwork to Music competition
  5. 13:10 - Break
  6. 13:30 - Agility - Crufts Singles Heat - S/M/I/L - Agility
  7. 14:25 - Agility – Crufts Medium ABC and Intermediate/Large Novice ABC Final (Agility)
  8. 15:00 - Build Flyball
  9. 15:12 - Flyball – Team – The Last 16
  10. 15:50 - Freestyle Heelwork to Music Competition Winner
  11. 15:55 - West Midlands Police Dog Display
  12. 16:20 - Break
  13. 16:55 - Agility – Crufts Singles Final: Small, Medium, Intermediate and Large (Agility) Followed by the Dog Grooming Presentation
  14. 17:40 - Vulnerable Breeds Final
  15. 18:05 - Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling competition Final Judging
  16. 18:25 - Group Judging (Terrier) and Presentation
  17. 19:15 - Group Judging (Hound) and Presentation
  18. 20:05 - Programme Ends

Additional Attractions

Beyond the Main Arena, the Obedience Ring will feature the Inter-Regional Obedience competition starting at 9:00 AM, along with a demonstration by the International Canine Federation (FCI) at 12:30 PM. The Young Kennel Club Ring will host the YKC any variety terrier and hound stakes finals, while the GCDTS Ring highlights the ALL-Breedience Grand Final from 11:15 AM. Throughout the event, visitors can explore the Discover Dogs exhibition in Hall 3, offering insights into over 200 breeds recognized by the Royal Kennel Club, including newly added ones like the Hungarian Mudi, Icelandic Sheepdog, and Pyrenean Mastiff.

For more details and ticket information, visit the official Crufts website. Admission is free for children under 8, with advance tickets priced from £16 for children aged 9-15 and concessions, and £24 for adults, available exclusively through the official ticketing partner AXS.