Held every year, Crufts celebrates everything to do with dogs, from breed judging in the show ring to agility, obedience and flyball competitions.
First founded in 1891, the four-day event attracts competitors and visitors from across the UK and around the world. This year, the event will run from March 5 to March 8 - featuring appearances from police dogs and pampered pooches.
Day one traditionally features judging for the Terrier and Hound groups, along with demonstrations, shopping stands and opportunities for visitors to meet a wide range of dog breeds.
These photos capture some of the highlights from the opening day of Crufts 2026, showing the dogs, handlers and atmosphere as another year of the famous show begins.
Take a look at 40 adorable snaps taken on the first day of Crufts 2026:
A Hungarian Puli arriving on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham. Picture date: Thursday March 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jacob King/PA WireA St Bernard arriving on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham. Picture date: Thursday March 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jacob King/PA WirePeople arrive with their dogs on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham. Picture date: Thursday March 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jacob King/PA WireMiro, a Polish Lowland Sheepdog arriving on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham. Picture date: Thursday March 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jacob King/PA WireMiro, a Polish Lowland Sheepdog arriving on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham. Picture date: Thursday March 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jacob King/PA WireA Dachshund arriving on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham. Picture date: Thursday March 5, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Jacob King/PA WireFirst day of Crufts at the NEC Birmingham.First day of Crufts at the NEC Birmingham.
