The world-renowned Crufts dog show has officially commenced in Birmingham, with the first major winners of the 2026 edition now confirmed. The prestigious event, held at the NEC, saw the Working and Pastoral groups crown their champions, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of canine competition.
Pastoral Group Triumph
In the Pastoral group, the top honor went to Hazel, a seven-year-old Welsh Corgi (Pembroke), owned and handled by Chris and Nikki Blance from Essex. This victory marks a significant achievement for the beloved breed, known for its herding heritage and distinctive appearance.
The runner-up positions in the Pastoral group were secured by:
- 2nd Place: Shetland Sheepdog, J: Sack Alice, owned by D. Pearson
- 3rd Place: Old English Sheepdog, Dream Big with Bottom Shaker, owned by Koroknai
- 4th Place: Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Mybeards Sweep, owned by L. Mottram
Working Group Victory
The Working group winner was Viking, a Tibetan Mastiff, handled by Gabriele Staduzza from Italy. This impressive breed, renowned for its strength and guardian instincts, claimed the Best of Breed title, highlighting the diversity and excellence on display at Crufts.
The Working group standings featured:
- 2nd Place: Rottweiler, Fantasa Strike While It’s Hot, owned by Miss M. Dunhill-Hall
- 3rd Place: Dobermann, Korifey Vanquish, owned by Mrs A. L. Jones and Ms I. Ushakova
- 4th Place: Great Dane, Diva Princess, owned by Mr Mick Stanton
Event Highlights and Schedule
Crufts 2026 began on Thursday, March 5, 2026, with thousands of dog owners and enthusiasts flocking to Birmingham in hopes of seeing their pets crowned 'Best in Show' on Sunday, March 8. The event showcases a wide array of breeds, from popular family pets to rare and exotic dogs.
On Friday, March 6, 2026, the competition continues with two more groups being judged:
- Hound Group: Includes breeds such as Beagle, Dachshund, Afghan Hound, and Whippet.
- Terrier Group: Features breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Border Terrier, and Airedale Terrier.
The winners from these groups will be selected tonight and will advance to the highly anticipated Best in Show final on Sunday. This final round will determine the ultimate champion from among all group winners, a title that carries immense prestige in the canine world.
Birmingham's Role as Host
Birmingham's NEC continues to be a premier venue for Crufts, attracting participants and spectators from across the globe. The city's central location and excellent facilities make it an ideal setting for this international event, which celebrates canine beauty, agility, and companionship.
As the competition progresses, all eyes are on the remaining groups and the upcoming finals. With such a strong start, Crufts 2026 promises to be a memorable showcase of top-tier dog breeding and handling, reinforcing its status as the world's most famous dog show.
