Crufts 2026 Today: Friday at the world's biggest dog show - day two timetable and full television schedule
It’s the second day of canine fun and competition in Birmingham.
The world’s biggest and best dog show has returned this week, with nearly 20,000 pups expected at the 136th year of Crufts.
The event dates back to 1886 when a Charles Cruft - the manager of a dog biscuit factory - organised ‘The First Great Terrier Show’, with around 600 dogs taking part.
The show continued to grown in popularity after Charles Cruft’s death in 1938, with entries of over 10,000 until it was interrupted by the arrival of the Second World War.
It returned in 1948 under the stewardship of the Kennel Club for the first time and the 1950 show London’s Olympia was televised for the first time by the BBC, with a record entry of 13,211 dogs.
The first Obedience Championships were held in 1955, which was also the first year working sheepdogs were invited to Crufts.
Agility was introduced as a demonstration in 1978, becoming an official part of the event in 1980, with Rescue Dog Agility added in 2000, and an international invitational competition arriving in 2001.
Flyball was introduced in 1990, when the Kennel Club also started to campaign for responsible dog ownership with the addition of the ‘Discover Dogs’ area’ to Crufts.
Last year saw a Whippet named Miuccia crowned Best in Show and all eyes will be on which perfect pooch will follow in his pawsteps.
Along with the prize rosettes handed out to the best examples of dozens of breeds and classes there will be plenty of other doggy action – including flyball, agility, heelwork to music, and The Kennel Club Hero Dog award.
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening at the show on Friday, March 6.
When is Crufts 2026?
Crufts 2026 runs from March 5-8 and takes place at the NEC Birmingham.
If you’re able to make it there, tickets are still available here.
Read more: Top Show Dogs 2026: Here are the 12 breeds of adorable dog who have won most Crufts Best in Show titles - including the loving Labrador
What breeds of dog are the focus of Crufts today?
The first day of competition will focus on terrier and hound dogs.
Working dogs are classified by the UK Kennel Club as being specialided hunting dogs that were originally bred to hunt vermin above and below ground. Popular breeds of terrier dog include the Yorkshire Terrier, Jack Russell, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Airedale Terrier and Scottish Terrier.
Hound dogs, meanwhile, are breeds originally developed for hunting by scent or sight, characterized by high prey drive and hunting instincts. Popular breeds of hound include the Greyhound, Whippet, Beagle, Basset Hound, Dachshund, and Irish Wolfhound.
What is the full schedule for Crufts 2026 today?
Here’s what’s happening in the Main Arena on Friday, March 6:
- 08.30: Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling competition
- 10.20: Agility – Crufts Medium ABC & Intermediate/Large Novice ABC Final (Jumping)
- 11.00: Agility – Crufts Singles Heat – S/M/I/L – Jumping
- 11.55: Freestyle Heelwork to Music competition
- 13.30: Agility – Crufts Singles Heat – S/M/I/L – Agility
- 14.25: Agility – Crufts Medium ABC and Intermediate/Large Novice ABC Final (Agility)
- 15.10: Flyball – Team – The Last 16
- 15.50: Freestyle Heelwork to Music Competition Winner
- 15.55: West Midlands Police Dog Display
- 16.20: Break
- 17.05: Agility – Crufts Singles Final: Small, Medium, Intermediate and Large (Agility)
- 17.50: Vulnerable Breeds Competition Final
- 18.15: Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling competition Final Judging
- 18.35: Group Judging (Terrier) and Presentation
- 19.25: Group Judging (Hound) and Presentation
When is Crufts 2026 on television today?
Once again highlights of Crufts will be shown on Channel 4 and More 4, including live coverage of the Best in Show trophy being awarded. There will be nearly 20 hours of coverage. The broadcaster has covered Crufts since 2010.
Coverage will include all the most popular events including Flyball, Agility, Heelwork to Music, The Kennel Club Hero Dog award and the prestigious Best in Show.
Channel 4 will also be covering Scruffts, which gives crossbred dogs their moment in the spotlight.
The coverage will be led by Clare Balding, who will be joined by returning with co-presenters Ellie Simmonds and Radzi Chinyanganya. But there’s a major new signing, with Traitors and Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman joining the team.
Jim Rosenthal and Frank Kane will be commentating on events, while resident vet Dr Paul Manktelow will also be back offering viewers advice on best practices for looking after dogs throughout the coverage.
On Friday, March 5, coverage on Channel 4 will be from 3pm to 4pm, with More 4 taking over from 6.30pm-9pm.
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