Crufts 2026 Day 4: Gundogs and Best in Show Schedule
The climax of Crufts 2026 arrives on Sunday, March 8, as the final group winner is selected from the Gundog category, completing the lineup of finalists for the evening's highly anticipated Best in Show award. This marks the conclusion of another year of premier canine competition at the world's largest dog show.
The Gundog Group: A Legacy of Success
Gundog breeds, primarily originating from the UK and Europe with some American additions, were historically bred to assist hunters with firearms. This group includes popular breeds such as Spaniels, Pointers, and Setters. Known for their friendly and sociable nature, Gundogs require active lifestyles but are often described as perfect family companions.
Notably, the Gundog group holds the record for the most Best in Show victories at Crufts, with 26 wins to date. The English Cocker Spaniel stands out as the most successful breed within this group, having secured seven Best in Show titles.
Judging and Awards Ceremony
Judging for the Gundog group commences in the Main Arena at 6:50 PM. Once the winner is determined, the panel will have all seven group finalists ready for the Best in Show competition. After 8:30 PM, the ultimate champion will be announced, succeeding the 2025 winner, Italian Whippet Miuccia, and taking home the coveted Keddell Memorial Trophy.
Recap of 2025 Winners
In 2025, the Gundog group was won by Spaniel (Cocker) Sh Ch Zheridons Blanche, affectionately known as Suzie, owned by David Todd from Mid Calder, West Lothian. The Reserve position went to a Pointer, while third and fourth places were claimed by a Labrador Retriever and a Clumber Spaniel, respectively.
Best in Show 2025 was awarded to the Hound Group winner, Whippet Int/multi Ch Una Donna Che Conta Euw23, named Miuccia, with the Working Group winner, Tibetan Mastiff Dzhozias Viking, as Reserve.
Day 4 Main Arena Highlights
The final day promises a packed schedule in the Main Arena, starting with agility competitions for intermediate or large height dogs. The jumping segment begins at 8:35 AM, followed by agility at 12:05 PM, and finals at 5:00 PM. Note that events after 4:15 PM are exclusive to ticket holders.
Additional attractions include a rescue dog agility demonstration at 9:40 AM and the fast-paced flyball competition, with semi-finals and finals from 4:30 PM. Flyball involves relay races between teams of four dogs navigating hurdles and retrieving balls.
Key events also feature the Royal Kennel Club’s Dog Grooming Championship presentations at 5:45 PM, the Hero Dog Award at 5:55 PM, and the Gamekeepers competition final at 6:15 PM, organized by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation.
Full Main Arena Schedule for March 8
- 08:35 - Agility Championships – Intermediate/Large (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
- 12:05 - Agility Championships – Intermediate/Large (Agility)
- 13:10 - HM Prison Service Dog Display
- 13:30 - Programme ends and Arena cleared
- 16:15 - Arena opens for Best in Show ticket holders
- 16:20 - Sunday Entertainment with Graham Bickley
- 16:30 - Flyball semi-finals and final
- 17:00 - Agility Championship – Intermediate/Large Final
- 17:45 - RKC Dog Grooming Championships presentation
- 17:55 - RKC Hero Dog Award
- 18:05 - YRKC Stakes Final and Presentation
- 18:15 - Gamekeepers Competition Final
- 18:30 - Gundog Display
- 18:50 - Group Judging (Gundog) and Presentation
- 19:40 - Interval
- 20:00 - West Midlands Police Display
- 20:20 - Police Dog Team Award Presentation
- 20:30 - Best in Show and Presentation
- 21:00 - Programme ends
Other Venue Activities
At the Obedience Ring, the Obedience Championships for bitches conclude at 9:00 AM. The Young Kennel Club ring hosts the any variety gundog stakes final from 8:00 AM, along with competitions for handlers aged 6-11, ABC agility, and pairs agility events.
The GCDTS Ring features the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Special Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes YKC final starting at 8:40 AM, with displays from the Anna Herzog Dog Sports Academy, Star Citizens' heelwork to music, and demonstrations by Royal Air Force dogs and the Puppy Foundation.
This final day of Crufts 2026 offers a comprehensive showcase of canine talent, from agility and grooming to the pinnacle of breed excellence in the Best in Show competition.
