Today at Crufts 2026: What's happening on Saturday at the world's biggest dog show - day three 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 at the show on Saturday, 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 third day of competition will focus on utlility and toy dogs.

Utility dogs are classified by the UK Kennel Club as being a diverse "catch-all" category for pedigree breeds not fitting into the other groups. These breeds were historically developed for specific jobs such as guarding, pulling carriages, or companionship. Popular utility dog breeds include the French Bulldog, Bulldog, Miniature Schnauzer, Poodle, Dalmatian, and Shiba Inu.

Toy dogs, meanwhile, are small companion or lap dogs primarily bred for companionship rather than work. Popular toy dog breeds include the Maltese, Chihuahua, Shih Tzu and Pomeranian.

What is the full schedule for Crufts 2026 today?

Here’s what’s happening in the Main Arena on Saturday, March 7:

• 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

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 Saturday, March 7, coverage on Channel 4 will be from 2pm-6pm and 7pm-9pm .

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