It takes place over four days from 6th - 9th March. You can see competitions, demonstrations and check out the latest offerings from the dog world. Like many businesses, Wuffable will have giveaways and special offers on their stall.
If you need to find out how to travel to the NEC for Crufts, this page here
has all the travel information.
Is my Dog allowed?
The only dogs allowed at Crufts are those invited by the Kennel Club and Assistance Dogs. Members of the public are not allowed to take their own pet dogs to Crufts. Any dogs you see there, will be either competing or will be working for trade stands as demo dogs.
What are Crufts rules on dogs? 1. Dogs must be on a lead unless training/competing requires them to be off lead. 2. No person shall carry out harsh handling of their dog at any time during the event. While Wuffable only advises positive reinforcement techniques for dog training, those trainers who may train with E-Collars or shock collars, and other perceived adverse equipment are advised to leave those items at home. The Kennel Club's view is "We fully support a total ban on the use and sale of electric shock collars." and if your dog is not able to work without those items, leave them at home.
"My dog's an assistance dog, so I'm taking it!"
Just because your dog can go to Crufts, it doesn't mean that it should.
If your dog isn't completely relaxed around dogs and people in a super busy and noisy environment, then it will hate being there. Keep in mind that everyone there is a dog lover and everyone thinks they can touch your dog.
Taking your dog to an event like Crufts before it is ready can make your dog struggle, it could cause them to retire early. Some assistance dog handlers gave this insight into attending Crufts with their Assistance Dogs.
Bella and Chloe from instagram gave us insight relating to having their dog unvested, noting that it got less interactions from strangers.
Mungo from instagram warns that your dog would hugely benefit from a solid stay or 'this way' command to avoid hazards.
Iggy from instagram advises your dog would benefit from having a strong automatic leave as there are treats at all levels that you may not want your dog to get.
Gregthesausageroll from instagram warns that you need to be prepared for a lot of questions from strangers, and be sure to have your dog vested when entering and exiting.
Linda McFarlane says some dogs have been refused entry for having hair dye.
Beth Ponsford advises you to learn where all the exits are, she points out that you can take your dog out of the exits without a pass, you just have to point out that your dog is an assistance dog.
The carparks are far away from the entrance and you may need to use the shuttle bus to get to the halls, please ensure your dog is okay travelling on a bus, as you don't want your dog to start the day stressed.
Assistance Dog Stalls at Crufts
Find Wuffable and other Assistance Dog related organisations and small businesses.
Wuffable, located in Hall 3 Stand 31, will have assistance dog accessories for sale to take away on the day. We will be offering a measuring service for dogs on the stand and taking orders for vests and all custom products at the event. Please note we will not be taking pre-made Assistance Dog vests to Crufts only example vests. We will have show offers. Payment can be made in cash or by card or via the website. If you would like to order a vest at Crufts you are welcome to bring your dog or their measurements with you if they aren't able to attend with you, and if you're more artistic, fill out our vest design templates ahead of time.
We will be joined by a representative from ADAA who is happy to talk to people who owner train their dog who may want some form of public access testing.
We will also have contact information of trainers who support assistance dogs from around the United Kingdom.
Within Hall 3, you can usually find the ADUK assistance dog organisations stands. You can find out more information on what they can offer you on their stand. Dogs for Good, Medical Detection Dogs, Dogs for Autism, Support dogs are usually represented there.
What day should I attend?
The day you choose will depend upon the type of dogs you are interested in seeing.
You can find the timetable of what's on here.
There is so much to see and do at Crufts, you will need to take time to plan your day(s)
Some people like to go just for the shopping, we find that Thursday and Friday are the quietest days as they avoid the weekend rush. However, every day is exceptionally busy and we would advise visiting the trade stalls very early or very late.
Some times admission tickets are sold on the door, this cannot be guaranteed and last year there was none left for people who hadn't pre-purchased online.
If you know when you wish to attend, pre booking your NEC parking can save you a few pounds. All of the shuttle buses are wheelchair friendly, so don't worry about being far away from the entrance.
Plan for crowds
Doors open at 8.15 am and this is the quietest time to go around stalls. If you need help with purchasing an item, the stall holders will have more time to assist you, help with measuring and show you options.
Crufts is a very pressurised environment and dogs are easily triggered there. This leads to many occasions of dogs snapping at other dogs, and dogs poo and wee in the aisles. If this is your first time attending such an event, please be prepared to leave early should your dog show any signs of discomfort.
Wuffable are located in Hall 3 as experience told us that this is the quietest hall with good space between the aisles.
Give the show benches a wide berth, not all of those dogs are friendly and it is advisable to give them space. Never touch a dog without asking, the dog may be freshly groomed and awaiting to go into the ring.
What should I wear?
Layers are essential as it can go from very cold to very warm in a short time. Why not order a hoodie or bag with clear writing on asking to give you space or warning you have an assistance dog?
Comfy shoes are important as over 5 halls, you are going to be doing a lot of walking.
Don't forget to take a back pack! We will have bags for sale should you need them.
Iggy from instagram recommends wearing earphones if you are noise sensitive as it can get very loud.
What should I take for me?
Food is expensive at the NEC, so you may want to take a packed lunch and drinks to give yourself more money to spend on your dog and dog supplies.
Cash! Just in case the card readers fail. The food and drink retailers within the NEC are card only, but most trade stands are happy to take cash.
Take your phone charger or battery pack as you'll be taking lots of photos and videos
and you need to be able to stay reachable. Don't forget your charging cables.
If you are there for the shopping, take fold up bags and/or a small trolley. There is a cloakroom where you can leave a large suitcase, you can go back several times during the day to add your purchases to it. There is a fee but its much easier than carrying lots of purchases around with you.
What should I take for my dog?
Although many stalls have water bowls, please take your own water bottle and bowl as Kennel Cough is notorious at an event like this.
Take treats for rewarding your dog for being a good boy/girl in such a stressful environment. Many stalls will have treats available but many wont have ingredients listed so please be careful of allergies.
Poo bags!! There are spending pens within the NEC and outside areas too, please pick up your dogs poo!
Don't forget to bring your dog's meal, it's a very long day!
Is there anywhere for me to sit and rest with my dog?
There is an assistance dog seating area in the main arena. Many of the security guards don't know where this is, so don't be surprised if you have to ask several people before you are pointed in the right direction.
Outside of the NEC there is a lovely lake and grassed area where you can take a break. However, please note that only vested assistance dogs are allowed in and out by security.
A short walk from the NEC is Resorts World, this is a small shopping complex with lots of restaurants and a cinema. During Crufts, the shopping centre is dog friendly.
If you intend to eat out around the NEC after a day at Crufts, prebooking is needed. All
of the stall holders and handlers are wanting somewhere to eat and you will struggle to find a walk in table. You can find details of restaurants within Resorts World here.
Toilets
There are lots of toilets around the NEC but be mindful that the queues for disabled facilities are long. Allow yourself plenty of time and don't leave it till the last minute!
Dogs have saw dusted areas within the hall near Discover Dogs for toileting and there is a fake grass area with a post under a marquee outside the halls. Thanks to Linda McFarlane for this information
Final advice
Enjoy this wonderful event, pace yourself and take the many free samples! After the event, give your dog time to decompress before you expect too much, as its cortisol levels will be raised from such a stressful environment.
See you there!!
