Today at Crufts 2026: Thursday at the world's biggest dog show - timetable and full television schedule

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 on Thursday, March 5.

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 working and pastoral dogs.

Working dogs are classified by the UK Kennel Club as being large, intelligent, and highly trainable breeds originally developed for specialized, non-herding tasks like guarding property, pulling sleds, and water rescue. Popular breeds of working dog include the Boxer, Portuguese Water Dog, St Bernard, Siberian Husky, Rottweiler and Great Dane.

Pastoral dogs, meanwhile, are breeds which have historically been bred to herd, manage, and protect livestock - in particular cattle, sheep and reindeer. Popular breeds of pastoral dog include the Samoyed, Border Collie, German Shepherd, Welsh Corgi, Old English Sheepdog, Belgian Malinois and Australian Shepherd.

What is the full schedule for Crufts 2026 today?

Here’s what’s happening in the Main Arena on Thursday, March 5:

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

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 Thursday, March 5, coverage on Channel 4 will be from 3pm to 4pm then from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

There will also be coverage on More 4 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

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