Crufts 2026 Day 1: Working and Pastoral Groups Take Center Stage
The world-renowned Crufts dog show launches its 2026 edition on Thursday, March 5, with the Working and Pastoral groups headlining the opening day. This year marks a shift in the schedule, as these two groups were judged on the final day in 2025, demonstrating the annual rotation of competitions at this prestigious event. The winners of each group will be crowned in the Main Arena, setting the stage for an exciting week of canine excellence.
Understanding the Working and Pastoral Groups
Working Dogs: This category comprises large to giant breeds with diverse coat types, reflecting their varied origins and historical roles. As the name implies, these dogs were developed for specialized, non-herding tasks, primarily focused on protecting people, livestock, or property. Many have also been utilized for pulling sledges or carts. Known for their strong-willed nature, Working dogs have secured five Best in Show titles in Crufts history, though none since 2008. Judging for this group is scheduled for 6:25 PM.
Pastoral Dogs: Originally bred for herding, moving, and safeguarding livestock, Pastoral breeds come in all sizes—from compact heelers to imposing giants—and feature a wide range of coat types. They are among the most energetic canine groups, thriving on close collaboration with their owners to perform complex tasks. It is essential to keep them engaged to prevent boredom. The Pastoral group boasts six Best in Show victories, with the most recent in 2024 when an Australian Shepherd named Viking claimed the top prize. Judging will begin at 7:15 PM.
Recap of 2025 Winners
Here is a reminder of the top performers from last year's competition:
- Working Group Winner 2025: Tibetan Mastiff Dzhozias Viking (known as Viking), owned by Mr V Molnar.
- Reserve: Newfoundland Ch Sandbears Masterpiece, owned by Ms S Blake.
- Third: Alaskan Malamute Multi Ch Contract with The Devil Sielos Misterija Euw Int Jch, owned by Miss G. Tamasauskaite.
- Fourth: Rottweiler Ch Fantasa Lucky Seven, owned by Miss M Dunhill-Hall.
Other finalists included Bouvier Des Flandres, Dobermann, Leonberger, and Russian Black Terrier.
- Pastoral Group Winner 2025: Australian Shepherd Shepherds of Paradise Tsss Milk Shake Please! (known as Shake), owned by Miss P Laroche.
- Reserve: Bearded Collie Ch Corimist Destiny by Design, owned by Miss N & Ms J Whelan & Young.
- Third: Border Collie Sh Ch Fayken I Am Love JW, owned by Mr R K & Miss J Green & Ratcliffe.
- Fourth: Pyrenean Mountain Dog Se/no/fin Ch Vi'skaly's Klas Pontus Arnoldson, owned by Mrs I Mattisson-Sandstrom.
Additional shortlisted breeds were Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervueren), Norwegian Buhund, Old English Sheepdog, and Welsh Corgi (Cardigan).
What to Expect on Day 1 at Crufts 2026
Main Arena Highlights: The action commences with the Agility Crufts Novice Cup, featuring dogs from Grades 3 to 5, with the final set for 12:30 PM. Participants may advance to the Crufts Agility Championship for small and medium-height dogs, which includes jumping and agility competitions leading to a final at 5 PM. The Young Kennel Club Jumping Cup follows, with semi-finals in the morning and the final at 2:15 PM.
Heelwork to music will showcase beautifully choreographed routines blending obedience elements, while the Junior Warrant competition final at 5:40 PM offers a lucrative prize for pedigree dogs aged six to 18 months. Prior to group judging, the Breeders competition at 6 PM will feature teams bred by the same breeder, based on points from 2025 shows.
Full Day 1 Schedule in the Main Arena
- 08:15 - Agility Crufts Novice Cup (Jumping)
- 09:25 - Agility Champs Small/Medium (Jumping)
- 10:30 - Heelwork to Music Competition
- 11:50 - Break
- 12:30 - Agility Crufts Novice Cup Final (Agility)
- 13:25 - Agility Champs Small/Medium (Agility)
- 14:15 - Young Kennel Club - Jumping Cup
- 15:12 - Flyball - The Last 16
- 15:50 - Heelwork to Music Competition Winner
- 15:55 - West Midlands Police Display
- 16:25 - Break
- 17:00 - Agility Championship - Small/Medium Final Followed by Dog Grooming Presentation
- 17:40 - Junior Warrant Competition Final
- 18:00 - Breeders Competition
- 18:25 - Group judging (Working) and presentation
- 19:15 - Group judging (Pastoral) and presentation
- 20:05 - Programme ends
Additional Activities and Rings
Obedience Ring: Day 1 features inter-regional rally competitions emphasizing teamwork and enthusiasm, with Levels 1-4 starting at 9 AM and Levels 5-6 at 2:45 PM. The Obreedience competition at 12 PM involves teams of four handlers and dogs of the same breed performing group heelwork and set exercises.
Young Kennel Club: Located in the new Hall 8, events include graduate agility, rally, freestyle heel to music, and the YKC any variety finals for Working and Pastoral groups.
GCDTS Ring: Displays will include para-obedience for handlers with mobility challenges and scentwork with Nuneaton Dog Training Club.
Have a Go Sessions: On Days 1 and 2, the Dog Activities Stand in Hall 3 offers Have a Go sessions, allowing attendees to try various dog activities with experienced display teams in a fun, supportive environment.
Ticket Information
For more details and tickets, visit the official Crufts website at Crufts.org.uk. Admission is free for children under 8, while advance tickets start at £16 for children aged 9-15 and concessions, and £24 for adults (additional fees may apply). Tickets are exclusively available through the official ticketing partner, AXS.
