How to watch Crufts 2026: Full TV schedule for the famous dog show, presenters, daily timetable- as Claudia Winkleman joins team
Dog lovers will be able to enjoy extensive television coverage of this year’s Crufts.
The world’s biggest and best dog show is returning this week, as over 20,000 pups make their way to the 136th year of 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.
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.
Can I watch Crufts 2026 on television?
One 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.
Who will be presenting coverage of Crufts on television in 2026?
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.
What has Claudia Winkleman said about joining the Crufts presenting team?
Claudia said: “I absolutely love dogs and there is literally nowhere else on earth I’d rather be. I can’t wait to join this incredible team and I’m so grateful to Channel 4 for allowing me to be part of it. I have a pocket rammed with treats.”
Claudia’s new colleague Clare Balding added: “I’m really looking forward to working with Claudia, who is a fantastic addition to the team. She really loves dogs and will bring an additional element of fun, as well as an intelligent curiosity and, of course, style.”
When is Crufts 2026 on television?
Here's when - and where - you can catch all the canine action:
Channel 4 Coverage
- Thursday, March 5 – 3pm to 4pm and 7.30pm to 9.30pm
- Friday, March 6 – 3pm to 4pm
- Saturday, March 7 – 2pm to 6pm and 7pm to 9pm
- Sunday, March 8 – 3.30pm to 6.30pm and 7pm to 9pm
More 4 Coverage
- Thursday, March 5 – 6.30pm to 7.30pm
- Friday, March 6 – 6.30pm to 9pm
What is the full schedule for Crufts 2026?
Here’s what’s happening in the Main Arena on each of the four days.
Thursday, March 5: Working and Pastoral
- 08.15: Agility – Crufts Novice Cup (Jumping)
- 09.25: Agility Championships – Large/Intermediate (Jumping)
- 10.30: Heelwork to Music Competition
- 11.50: Break
- 12.30: Agility – Crufts Novice Cup Final (Agility)
- 13.25: Agility Championships – Large/Intermediate (Agility)
- 14.15: Young Kennel Club – Jumping Cup
- 15.10: Flyball – Team – The Last 16
- 15.50: Heelwork to Music Competition Winner
- 15.55: West Midlands Police Dog Display
- 16.25: Break
- 17.00: Agility Championships – Large/Intermediate Final
- 17.40: Junior Warrant Competition Final
- 18.00: Breeders Competition Final
- 18.25: Group Judging (Working) and Presentation
- 19.15: Group Judging (Pastoral) and Presentation
Friday, March 6: Terrier and Hound
- 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
Saturday, March 7: Utility and Toy
- 08.15: Crufts – International Invitation – Large (Jumping)
- 09.00: Scruffts Semi-Final
- 10.00: Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Display
- 10.30: Hoopers Display
- 11.00: Southern Golden Retriever Display Team
- 11.20: West Midlands Police Display
- 11.50: Heelwork to Music – Freestyle International Competition
- 13.40: Agility – International Invitation – Large (Agility)
- 14.20: Young Kennel Club – Agility Dog of the Year Finals
- 15.40: Flyball – YKC Flyball finals followed by Team Quarter Finals
- 16.25: Break
- 16.50: Show Opening and Parade
- 17.00: Agility – International Invitation – Large – Agility Finals
- 17.40: Scruffts Final
- 18.05: Heelwork to Music – Freestyle International Winner
- 18.10: Obedience Champion (Bitch) and Reserve (Bitch) Display
- 18.25: Gamekeepers Competition Final
- 19.00: Group Judging (Utility) and Presentation
- 19.50: Group Judging (Toy) and Presentation
Sunday, March 8: Gundog and Best in Show
- 08.35: Agility – Championships – Small/Medium (Jumping)
- 09.40: Rescue Dog Agility
- 10.10: Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Display
- 10.40: Heelwork to Music Winner
- 10.45: Dog Activities Display
- 11.15: Southern Golden Retriever Display Team
- 11.35: Break
- 12.00: Agility Championships – Small/Medium (Agility)
- 13.05: Medical Detection Dogs Display
- 13.35: Arena cleared
- 15.00: Doors open for Best in Show ticket holders
- 16.15: Special Musical Performance
- 16.30: Flyball – Semi-Finals and Final
- 16.50: Special Musical Performance
- 17.00: Agility – Championship – Small/Medium – Agility Final
- 17.40: The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award
- 17.50: Young Kennel Club Stakes Final and Presentation
- 18.00: Group Judging (Gundog) and Presentation
- 19.50: Special Musical Performance
- 20.00: West Midlands Police Dog Display
- 20.20: Presentation of the Police Dog Team Operational and Humanitarian Action of the Year Award
- 20.30: Best in Show and Presentation
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