26 February 2025
The Ultimate Crufts 2025 Guide
For over 130 years, dog lovers have flocked to Birmingham to try their hand at winning Best in Show at the greatest dog show in the world. We are, of course, talking about Crufts. Whether you have tickets to experience Crufts first-hand or plan to tune in on the television, we've got the low-down of what to expect this year at Crufts 2025.
From the early days of the competition to the latest Crufts winners, you can learn all about the biggest dog show in the world in this Guide to Crufts.
Who Won Crufts 2025?
With over 18,000 dogs from across the world flocking to Brimingham with their handlers, the competion for Crufts 2025 was always going to be one for the history books. With the biggest dog show in the world now at a close, we've got all the updates you need about who won best in show at Crufts 2025.
Crufts Winner 2025
The Best in Show Winner for Crufts 2025 was Miuccia (Ch/Int/Multi Ch Una Donna Che Conta), a four-year-old Whippet from Venice, Italy. Miuccia is the fourth Whippet to win Best in Show at Crufts, with the last being Collooney Tartan Tease in 2018.
Crufts Reserve Winner 2025
The Best In Show Reserve for Crufts 2025 was Viking, a Tibetan Mastiff from Romania. Viking won the Working Breed Group competition earlier on day four of Crufts before being crowned The Best in Show Reserve. Viking is the first Tibetan Mastiff to date to make it to the Crufts final.
Scruffts Winner 2025
The Winner of Scruffts 2025 was Lola, the Lurcher Whippet Collie crossbreed who earned first place in the Prettiest Bitch category before going on to win the title of Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year.
What is Crufts?
Crufts is the largest dog show in the world. Founded in 1891, Crufts was named after its founder, Charles Cruft, who arranged the event as a marketing opportunity for the dog biscuit brand he worked for. Now, the four-day event, which takes place in the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, draws dog breeders, handlers, owners, and enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond.
The show is a celebration of man’s best friend, to the dedication and expertise of generations ago that brought some of our favourite dog breeds into our homes.
Attending Crufts 2025 FAQS
How Long has Crufts been running?
Crufts was first founded in 1891 and has been running for over 133 years.
When is Crufts 2025?
Crufts 2025 is held from Thursday 6th March to Sunday 9th March
Where is Crufts?
Crufts is held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, UK.
How Much are Crufts tickets?
Ticket prices for Crufts vary depending on how many days of the event you want to attend and when you purchase them.
When purchased in advance, tickets range from £14-£25.
When purchased on the day, ticket range from £17-£29.
Children under 8 can attend Crufts for free with an adult.
What Channel is Crufts On?
Initially shown on the BBC, Crufts is now broadcast by Channe 4 and More4.
Can I take my dog to Crufts?
Unfortunately, only dogs invited to Crufts or assistance dogs are permitted into the event.
Crufts: A Brief History
With over 130 years of history to consider, we’ve broken down the core moments in Cruft’s history that’s led to it being one of the best dogs shows in the world.
1991 - 2024
- 1994 – The Kennel Club launches its Discover Dogs initiative to encourage responsible dog ownership.
- 2000 – Rescue Dog Agility is introduced, allowing rescue dogs their moment to shine in a fast-paced and fun demonstration.
- 2009 - The Health Zone is introduced, and Judges are given the power to remove unhealthy dogs from the show ring. Show monitors may now report dogs they fear are unhealthy to the show vet, who can order their exclusion from the competition.
- 2012 - Best-of-breed winners and champions in the 15 high-profile breeds, which may have a tendency to suffer from health problems due to exaggerated features, now need to be vet-checked before their awards are confirmed.
- 2013 - Scruffts is launched to allow crossbreeds their moment to shine and the potential to win the title of Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year.
- 2016 - Crufts celebrates its 125th anniversary.
- 2023 - Crufts celebrates The Kennel Club’s 150th Anniversary with a special anniversary class. Stand Up To Cancer and Crufts launches the first walkies challenge, raising £1.4 million.
1891 - 1990
- 1891 – Charles Cruft founds Crufts
- 1928 – Best in Show Award is Given for the First Time to Greyhound, Primley Sceptre.
- 1938 – Charles Cruft Dies, and his wife, Emma, takes over.
- 1948 – The Kennel Club becomes the new owner of Crufts.
- 1950 – Crufts is first televised on the BBC after facing potential closure due to the death of King George VI.
- 1955 – Crufts introduces the Obedience competition.
- 1980 – Crufts introduces Agility Competiton.
- 1982 – Crufts becomes a Three-day event.
- 1985 – The Kennel Club Junior is launched.
- 1987 – Crufts is extended to a four-day event to accommodate the large number of spectators and dogs that have entered.
- 1888 – Crufts Becomes the Biggest Dog Show in the UK, with over 110,000 people in attendance.
- 1990 – Flyball is first introduced at Crufts.
Who Won Crufts?
Since the award was first introduced nearly one hundred years ago, there have been 86 other Best in Show dogs at Crufts spanning 46 breeds! Below, we’ve listed all the Best in Show winners of Crufts since 1928. You can find the full list of winners on the Crufts website.
Note: The names listed for these winners are mostly pedigree dog names, which must adhere to specific rules, including being more than one word, not being the same as another KC-registered dog, and not being longer than 24 letters.
Best in Show Crufts 2025
Best in Show Crufts 2024
Viking, the three-year-old Australian Shepherd was the winner of Best in Show for Crufts 2024.
Best in Show Crufts 2023
Orca, the Lagotto Romagnolo was the winner of Best in Show for Crufts 2023
Best in Show Crufts 2012-2022
- 2022 - INT CH Almanza Backseat Driver (Flat-coated Retriever)
- 2020 - CH Silvae Trademark ( wire-haired Dachshund)
- 2019 - Planet Waves Forever Young Daydream Believers (Papillon)
- 2018 - Collooney Tartan Tease (Whippet)
- 2017 - Afterglow Miami Ink (American Cocker Spaniel)
- 2016 - Burneze Geordie Girl (West Highland White Terrier)
- 2015 - McVan's To Russia With Love (Scottish Terrier)
- 2014 - Afterglow Maverick Sabre (Standard Poodle)
- 2013 - Soletrader Peek A Boo (Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen)
- 2012 - Zentarr Elizabeth (Lhasa Apso)
Best in Show Crufts 2000 - 2011
- 2011 - Vbos The Kentuckian (Flat-coated Retriever)
- 2010 - Hungargunn Bear It'n Mind (Hungarian Vizsla)
- 2009 - Efbe's Hidalgo At Goodspice (Sealyham Terrier)
- 2008 - Jafrak Philippe Olivier (Giant Schnauzer)
- 2007 - Araki Fabulous Willy (Tibetan Terrier)
- 2006 - Caitland Isle Take a Chance (Australian Shepherd)
- 2005 - Cracknor Cause Celebre (Norfolk Terrier)
- 2004 - Cobyco Call the Tune (Whippet)
- 2000 - Torums Scarf Michael (Kerry Blue Terrier)
How Does Crufts Work?
Crufts, at its core, is a celebration of dogs. It was first held in the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, and it's done nothing but grow ever since! With only 2,437 entrants in the first event, Crufts now has over 110,000 attendees annually (not including the 18,000 dogs competing!), and now features a trade show with 500 stands for exclusive offers, new products, dog rescue charities and other stores available for you meander around or learn more about your favourite dog breeds.
Aside from the dog show where dog breeds from the seven breed groups compete for Best in Show, Crufts also hosts competitions in the following categories:
- Obedience
- Agility
- Heelwork
- Flyball
- Ring craft
- Junior Handling
- Grooming
- And so much more!
Plus, Crufts also offers educational shows and trials for attendees to learn more about vulnerable native breeds and working dogs (Such as police K9 units). There are also various award categories for:
-
Police Dog Team Operational and Humanitarian Action of the Year Award
-
The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award
-
Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year
- Best Vulnerable Breed
For a full schedule of all of the shows and awards presented at Crufts, head to the official Crufts website and see what you could experience each day at Crufts 2025.
What is Best in Show At Crufts?
Best in Show is the most prestigious prize that can be awarded at Crufts. It was first awarded in 1928 to the very first winner of Crufts, Primley Sceptre, a fawn Greyhound. Crufts Best in Show is awarded to the dog in the final judging that best conforms to their “Breed Standard”.
The basis for almost all dog shows is for judges to compare the pedigree dog entrants against their breed standard. Breed standards are drawn up following careful research into the breed's history, purpose, health, and temperament. They were made public in 2009, following the agreement of vets and breed experts. Breed standards are now regularly reviewed to ensure they evolve with the dog’s breed to protect the health and welfare of the dog.
For dogs to be considered for Best in Show, they must make it to the final judging by winning their Breed Category and their Group Class.
Crufts Breed Classes
During the Breed Class judging, dogs of the same breed compete for the judges, who will then choose who they deem to be the Best of Breed winner.
Some breeds are more popular than others, which can make the competition more intense, even at an earlier level. For example, 538 Golden Retrievers were entered in Crufts 2024, but only 5 Canaan Dogs were entered. This can make it harder for dogs of more popular breeds to be considered for Best of Breed.
Crufts Group Classes
All of the dogs that win Best of Breed are then advanced to compete in their Group Class. There are 7 Breed Groups, which we go into more detail of below, but they are as follows:
To make it to the final of Crufts and be in with the chance of winning Best in Show 2025, the winning dogs from each of these seven groups are then judged against each other.
In the final judging, judges assess how closely each dog conforms to their “Breed Standard”. To win Best in Show at Crufts, a dog is assessed on more than just physical attributes but also for their:
- Temperament
- Conformation
- Movement throughout the competition
Simply put, the Best in Show prize is awarded to the dog that best represents the ideal breed standard of their particular breed.
How to Enter Crufts
Remember, Crufts is a show intended for Pedigree dogs. As such, only dogs registered with the Kennel Club can be entered to compete.
In order to enter your dog in Crufts, you must:
- Register your dog with the Kennel Club
- Qualify for Crufts by coming First, Second or Third in a relevant class at a Kennel Club-affiliated Championship show.
- Obtain an Authority to Compete (ATC) from the Kennel Club if your dog is not already registered. It costs £30 per dog to receive an ATC number which is essential for any dog to compete.
For more information about how to qualify for Crufts, check out the official Crufts Qualification for Entry Document.
How Much Does it Cost to Enter Crufts
If your dog meets the requirements to enter Crufts, it costs £35 to enter them into the Breed Class competition, as well as subsequent entry fees.
What Does the Winner of Crufts Get?
Best in Show winners at Crufts receive a sold silver replica of the Keddall Memorial Trophy and a cash prize of £200. However, for most breeders who compete in Crufts, the prestige of winning Best in Show is worth more than the prize itself.
Dog Breed Groups at Crufts
All Kennel Club registered dog breeds fit into one of the seven dog breed groups mentioned above. They are Gun Dog breeds, Hound breeds, Pastoral breeds, Terrier breeds, Toy breeds, Utility breeds, and Working breeds.
These breed groups are only applicable to pedigree Kennel Club Registered dog breeds. You can find out more about the seven dog breed groups below.
Gun Dog Breeds
The Gun Dog breed group consists of dog breeds specifically bred to find live game or retrieve shot game. Four subsequent groups are in the Gun Dog category, including Spaniels, Retrievers, hunt/point/retrieve, and Pointers & Setters.
Many dog breeds in the Gun Dog group are still incredibly popular today because of their temperament and obedience, making them great family dogs. Breeds in the Gun Dog group include Labrador Retrievers, Hungarian Vizlas, and Cocker Spaniels.
To date, the Gun Dog breed group has the most Best in Show wins, with 26 winners in total.
Gun Dog Winners
- 1930/31 - Luckystar of Ware (Cocker Spaniel)
- 1932/33 - Bramshaw Bob (Labrador Retriever)
- 1935 - Pennine Prima Donna (Pointer)
- 1937 - Cheverell's Ben of Banchory (Labrador Retriever)
- 1938/39 - Exquisite Model of Ware (Cocker Spaniel)
- 1948/50 - Tracey Witch of Ware (Cocker Spaniel)
- 1958 - Chiming Bells (Pointer)
- 1964 - Silbury Soames of Madavale (English Setter)
- 1977 - Bournehouse Dancing Master (English Setter
- 1980 - Shargleam Blackcap/Retriever (Flat Coated)
- 1981 - Astley Portia of Rua (Irish Setter)
- 1988 - Starlite Express at Valsett (English Setter)
- 1991 - Raycrofts Socialite (Clumber Spaniel)
- 1993 - Danaway Debonair (Irish Setter)
- 1995 - Starchelle Chicago Bear (Irish Setter)
- 1996 - Canigou Cambrai (English Cocker Spaniel)
- 1999 - Caspians Intrepid (Irish Setter)
- 2010 - Hungargunn Bear It'n Mind (Hungarian Vizsla)
- 2011 - Vbos The Kentuckian (Flat-coated Retriever)
- 2017 - Afterglow Miami Ink (American Cocker Spaniel)
- 2022 - Almanza Backseat Driver (Flat Coated Retriever)
- 2023 - Am Gch Kan Trace Very Cheeky Chic (Lagotto Romagnolo)
Hound Dog Breeds
The Hound Dog category includes dogs specifically bred for hunting by scent or sound, including popular breeds like Greyhounds, Miniature Dachshunds, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks.
Many dogs in this breed group have extremely high endurance and enjoy lots of exercise. The Greyhound, in particular, is known to be the fastest dog breed in the world, reaching 45 miles per hour.
The Hound Dog breed group has had eleven Best in Show winners as of January 2025.
Hound Winners
- 1928 - Primley Sceptre (Greyhound)
- 1934 - Southball Moonstone (Greyhound)
- 1956 - Treetops Golden Falcon/Greyhound; Owners - Mr Judy de Cassembroot and Miss Bobbie Greenish
- 1960 - Sulhamstead Merman (Irish Wolfhound)
- 1983 - Montravia Kaskarak Hitari (Afghan Hound)
- 1987 - Viscount Grant (Afghan Hound)
- 1992 - Pencloe Dutch Gold (Whippet)
- 2004 - Cobyco Call the Tune (Whippet)
- 2013 - Soletrader Peek A Boo (Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen)
- 2018 - Collooney Tartan Tease (Whippet)
- 2020 - Silvae Trademark (Wire-haired Dachshund)
Pastoral Dog Breeds
Pastoral Dog breeds are another breed group consisting of working dog breeds, however, these dogs have been specially bred for herding livestock, such as sheep, cattle, and even deer. These dogs have high endurance levels and weather-proof double coats to keep them protected from the elements.
Many of the breeds in this group still work alongside humans to this day herding sheep and cattle. Some of the most popular Pastoral dog breeds include Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Samoyeds.
To date, the Pastoral Dog breed group has had seven Best in Show winners.
Pastoral Winners
- 1965 - Fenton of Kentwood (German Shepherd)
- 1969 - Hendrawen's Nibelung of Charavigne (German Shepherd Dog)
- 1970 - Bergerie Knur (Pyrenean Mountain Dog)
- 1971 - Ramacon Swashbuckler (German Shepherd Dog)
- 1989 - Potterdale Classic of Moonhill (Bearded Collie)
- 2006 - Caitland Isle Take a Chance (Australian Shepherd)
- 2024 - Ch Brighttouch Drift The Line Through Dialynne (Australian Shepherd)
Terrier Dog Breeds
The Terrier breed group is a selection of dog breeds initially bred for hunting vermin. The term terrier comes from the Latin “Terra,” meaning earth. Though these dogs are smaller, they more than makeup for it with their tenacity, endurance, and hardiness.
Many of the dog breeds in the Terrier group date back to the Middle Ages and were used for hunting foxes, rats, badgers, and even otters. Some were bred for hunting above ground, while others used their small size to sneak into burrows and force the animals out.
One of the most famous terriers in history is Greyfriars Bobby, the Skye Terrier who lived from 1855 to 1872. Greyfriars Bobby became famous in 19th Century Edinburgh for guarding the grave of his owner, John, for 14 years after his death in 1858 despite extreme weather and attempts to remove him. After his death, the President of the Ladies Committee of the RSPCA asked the City Council for permission to erect a granite fountain with a statue of Bobby. The statue was unveiled in 1873 and remains to this day to celebrate the loyalty of this faithful companion.
The Terrier Breed group has the second most Best in Show wins with 21 winners.
Terrier Winners
- 1929 - Heather Necessity (Scottish Terrier)
- 1959 - Sandstorm Saracen (Welsh Terrier)
- 1961 - Riverina Tweedsbairn (Airedale Terrier)
- 1962 - Crackwyn Cockspur (Wire Fox Terrier)
- 1963 - Rogerholm Recruit (Lakeland Terrier)
- 1967 - Stingray of Derryabah (Lakeland Terrier)
- 1972 - Abraxas Audacity (Bull Terrier)
- 1975 - Brookewire Brandy of Layven (Wire Fox Terrier)
- 1978 - Harrowhill Huntsman (Wire Fox Terrier)
- 1979 - Callaghan of Leander (Kerry Blue Terrier)
- 1986 - Ginger Xmas Carol(Airedale Terrier)
- 1990 - Olac Moon Pilot (West Highland White Terrier)
- 1994 - Purston Hit and Miss From Brocolitia (Welsh Terrier)
- 1997 - Ozmilion Mystification (Yorkshire Terrier)
- 1998 - Saredon Forever Young (Welsh Terrier)
- 2000 - Torums Scarf Michael (Kerry Blue Terrier)
- 2005 - Cracknor Cause Celebre (Norfolk Terrier)
- 2007 - Araki Fabulous Willy (Tibetan Terrier)
- 2009 - Efbe's Hidalgo At Goodspice (Sealyham Terrier)
- 2015 - McVan's To Russia With Love (Scottish Terrier)
- 2016 - Burneze Geordie Girl (West Highland White Terrier)
Toy Dog Breeds
Toy Dog Breeds are a group of small dogs mainly bred for companionship, including Chihuahuas, Paillons, and Pugs. Other breeds have been placed into this group for their size and purpose, such as the Italian greyhound, which could also be categorised as a hound, alongside greyhounds and whippets.
Dogs in the toy breed group tend to have friendly personalities and love all the attention they can get. They also make popular pets due to their small size and minimal exercise needs, with most only needing 30-60 minutes of exercise a day.
There have been three Best in Show winners from the Toy Breed Group, to date.
Toy Winners
- 1973 - Alansmere Aquarius (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)
- 1982 - Grayco Hazelnut (Toy Poodle)
- 2019 - Planet Waves Forever Young Daydream Believers (Papillon)
Utility Dog Breeds
The Utility Dog Breeds group is a rather miscellaneous group of dog breeds from a non-sporting background. Utility means fitness for a purpose, which means this dog group has quite a mixed range of dog breeds, from the French Bulldog to Dalmatians and even Poodles!
Most dog breeds in the Utility breed group were bred specially for a specific purpose not included in the sporting or working categories. The Utility breed group has some of the oldest documented dog breeds, including the Chow Chow, which originated in central China over 8,300 years ago!
There have been ten Best in Show Winners from the Utility Breed Group to date.
Utility Breed Winners
- 1936 - Choonam Hung Kwong (Chow Chow)
- 1952 - Noways Chuckles (Bulldog)
- 1955 - Tzigane Aggri of Nashend (Standard Poodle)
- 1957 - Volkrijk of Vorden (Keeshond)
- 1966 - Oakington Puckshill Amber Sunblush (Poodle (Toy)
- 1968 - Fanhill Faune (Dalmatian)
- 1984 - Saxonsprings Hackensack (Lhasa Apso)
- 1985 - Montravia Tommy-Gun (Standard Poodle)
- 2012 - Zentarr Elizabeth (Lhasa Apso)
- 2014 - Afterglow Maverick Sabre (Standard Poodle)
Working Dog Breeds
Working Dog breeds are a group of dogs that were all specifically bred for work. The work these dogs were intended for spans from guard dogs (like the Bullmastiff) to search and rescue dogs (like Saint Bernard) and even sledge dogs (like the Alaskan Malamute and Siberian Husky).
The breeds in the Working Dog category are specialists in their fields and have been aiding humans in all walks of life, bringing new meaning to the title of Man’s Best Friend. One of the most famous dogs from this category is Balto, the Siberian Husky who led sledge dog teams to transport diphtheria serum to Nome, Alaska, in 1925.
To date, there have been three Best in Show Winners from the Working Breed Group.
Working Breed Winners
- 1953 - Elch Elder of Ouborough (Great Dane)
- 1974 - Burtonswood Bossy Boots (St. Bernard)
- 2008 - Jafrak Philippe Olivier (Giant Schnauzer)
Is Crufts Ethical?
There is much debate about the ethical nature of dog shows. Many animal rights groups and individuals have expressed concerns regarding pedigree dogs and potential health issues, particularly those of brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced dogs). These dogs commonly face breathing difficulties due to the shape of their compressed skulls, which give them a flat appearance.
In response to this, Crufts and the Kennel Club established Breed Watch, a programme dedicated to ensuring the health and welfare of show dogs. Breed Watch provides information on breed-specific health concerns, allowing breeders, judges, and exhibitors to discourage the unethical breeding of dogs with exaggerated conformational issues that impact the dog's health and welfare.
All dogs entered into Crufts are split into Breed Watch categories based on the visible health concerns they may show in the ring. Depending on the category, these breeds may be subject to veterinary health checks before entering or after Best of Breed wins. Dogs who fail these checks are not allowed to enter Crufts or may be disqualified or have their Championship titles revoked.
Breed Watch Category 1
Dog breeds in Category 1 of Breed Watch have no visible health concerns associated with their breed. All dogs not included in Category 2 or Category 3 are considered Category 1.
Breed Watch Category 2
Dog breeds in Category 2 of Breed Watch have some visible health concerns linked to conformation and need closer attention and monitoring when entered into Kennel Club dog shows like Crufts.
As of January 2025, there are 47 dog breeds classed as Category 2 by Breed Watch. These are:
Category 2 Dog Breeds
- Bedlington Terrier
- Bloodhound (as of 1st January 2025)
- Borzoi
- Boston Terrier
- Boxer
- Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier (Miniature)
- Bullmastiff
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Cesky Terrier
- Chihuahua (Long Coat)
- Chihuahua (Smooth Coat)
- Chinese Crested
- Chow Chow
- Collie (Rough)
- Dachshund (Long Haired)
- Dachshund (Miniature Long Haired)
- Dachshund (Miniature Smooth Haired)
- Dachshund (Miniature Wire Haired)
- Dachshund (Smooth Haired)
- Dachshund (Wire Haired)
- German Spitz (Klein)
- German Spitz (Mittel)
- Gordon Setter
- Great Dane
- Griffon Bruxellois
- Irish Terrier
- Irish Wolfhound
- Keeshond
- King Charles Spaniel
- Leonberger
- Maremma Sheepdog
- Newfoundland
- Norwich Terrier
- Old English Sheepdog
- Pomeranian
- Pyrenean Mountain Dog
- Retriever (Golden)
- Retriever (Labrador)
- Rottweiler
- Shar Pei
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Siberian Husky
- Spaniel (American Cocker)
- Spaniel (Clumber)
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- West Highland White Terrier
Breed Watch Category 3
Category 3 listed breeds in Breed Watch are dogs with high susceptibility to health conditions due to their conformation, especially regarding their eyes, skin, dentition, movement, and breathing.
Dog breeds listed as Category 3 require a number of veterinary checks to compete in Crufts and confirm any official championship titles. Exhibitors for these dog breeds also have to contact Crufts ahead of entrance to ensure the show society secretary knows that a championship title check is needed.
The UK Kennel Club is dedicated to ensuring the ongoing health and welfare of Category 3 dog breeds, and Breed Health and Conservation Plans (BHCPs) are in place.
As of January 2025, there are ten dog breeds classed as Category 3 by Breed Watch. These are:
Cateory 3 Dog Breeds
- Basset Hound (as of 1st January 2025)
- Bulldog
- Dogue de Bordeaux
- French Bulldog (as of 1st January 2025)
- German Shepherd Dog
- Mastiff
- Neapolitan Mastiff
- Pekingese
- Pug
- St. Bernard
What is Scruffts?
Crufts is all about celebrating dog breeds, so it’s no wonder that with the growing number of crossbreeds in the UK and beyond, Crufts would open a separate crossbreed competition in 2013 sponsored by James Wellbeloved. In this Crufts crossbreed competition, crossbreed dogs compete for the title of “Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year”.
While Scruffts is not as prestigious an award as Best in Show at Crufts, it celebrates the companionship between humans and dogs and stresses the importance of responsible dog ownership. The classes for Scruffts are as follows:
- Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog
- Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch
- Golden Oldie Crossbreed
- Good Citizen Dog Scheme
Before being able to enter the semifinal of Scruffts, dogs must place first at one of the Heat events held prior to Crufts. The Heats are held throughout the year and across the country before the main Crufts event and are focused on finding crossbreeds from across the UK with that little something special.
Who is Eligible for Scruffts?
The key criteria for dogs entered in Scruffts are that:
- The dog must be a crossbreed.
- The dog must be over 6 months old (or over 12 years for the Golden Oldie class).
- The dog must not be docked or dyed.
- The dog must not be subject to a Court Control Order or a Contingent Destruction Order under the Dogs Act 1871 or the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act.
Unfortunately, this means that banned dog breeds are not able to compete in Scruffts, and may only attend the Scruffts Heat events unless they have a valid Certificate of Exemption and comply with government rules for the legal ownership of a banned type. You can learn more about government rulings regarding banned dog breeds in our Guide to Banned Dog Breeds.
Previous Scruffts Winners
Scruffts Winner 2024
The most recent Scruffts Winner 2024 was Diesel, a 13-year-old Airedale Terrier/Labrador cross from Debryshire. Diesel is an epilepsy assistance dog who learned to bark when his owner’s friend had a seizure.
Scruffts Winner 2023
The winner of Scruffts in 2023 was Delila, a two-year-old Spaniel cross who works as an assistance dog to her owner, Francesca. Delilia is trained to detect when Francesca’s heart rate peaks and alerts her.
Scruffts Winner 2022
The 2022 winner of Scruffts was Questa, a Golden Retriever/Labrador cross who is an assistance dog to her owner, Hazel, who has brittle asthma and osteoporosis.
Whether you’ve got your tickets ready to attend Crufts 2025 or you’re planning to tune in on Channel 4, we hope this watch guide gives you a better understanding of the world’s biggest dog show.
If you want to give your dog the Best in Show treatment, check out our great range of dog essentials, like veterinary dog foods, healthy dog treats, and supplements available now.
This post is an opinion and should only be used as a guide. You should thoroughly discuss any change to your pet’s care or lifestyle with your vet before starting any program or treatment.
