Thousands of perfectly groomed pedigree pooches have descended on Birmingham today as the world-famous Crufts dog show gets underway.
More than 18,600 dogs from across the globe will parade through the halls of the National Exhibition Centre over the next four days, with proud owners hoping their pampered pets will claim the coveted Best in Show crown.
The massive event, held just outside Birmingham, opened its doors on Thursday and will run until Sunday evening when one lucky dog will be declared the ultimate champion.
But it’s not just about good looks and glossy coats.
Throughout the competition, judges will assess dogs across a variety of breed groups including working, pastoral and terrier categories as they compete in the show rings.
Visitors will also be treated to a packed programme of crowd-pleasing displays and competitions designed to show off the intelligence and athleticism of the canine contestants.
The prestigious show has grown into one of the biggest events of its kind anywhere in the world, regularly drawing around 150,000 visitors through the doors during the four-day extravaganza.
And there will be plenty of star power on screens again this year as Crufts returns to Channel 4 with new presenter Claudia Winkleman making her debut.
An Old English Sheepdog on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham
Old English Sheepdogs surround their owners as they rest before the event gets into full swing
A handler and their Pyrenean Mountain Dog pose for a photograph
Pyrenean Mountain Dogs lie on the floor at the event getting some well deserved rest
An Old English Sheepdog is groomed ahead of judging on the first day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre
Komondor dogs are judged on the first day of the Crufts dog show at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham
Owners sit with their dogs waiting for the show to begin. The annual event is organised by the Kennel Club
A Dogue de Bordeaux on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show has won a rosette
A woman walks with her dog on her shoulder. Owners and dogs have arrived from around the world
Pete Anderton asleep with his Hungarian Puli Bitch ‘Tilly’ who have travelled from Colchester, Essex
Amanda Holden and Claudia Winkleman present on the first day of Crufts 2026
A St Bernard is fed a small snack by their owner on the first day, 18,600 dogs are competing
HRH Prince Michael of Kent, arrives at Crufts in a wheelchair on Thursday
A Mastiff sits with its owner at Crufts Dog Show at the NEC in Birmingham
A Welsh Corgi is groomed as the owner inspects its toenails. The four-day event attracts 150,000 visitors
A dog is being shown by its owner at the show. She runs along beside him on a short lead
A man grooms a Dogue de Bordeaux mastiff ahead of the competition
Perfectly pedigeed dog line up ready to be judged in the compeition
One woman was snapped giving her dog a kiss on the lips ahead of an event
A Rough Collie dog smiles at the camera as it arrives on the first day of the Crufts dog show
A Pomsky dog, a cross between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky, is pictured as it arrives on the first day of the Crufts dog show
One dog was spotted outside the arena in plastic boots so that his feet do not get dirty
A Dutch Shepherd (L), a Chihuahua (C) and a Malinois dog sit for a a photo
One small dog arrives in a basket on wheels as his owner pulls him along
Two shetland sheepdogs look angelic by the daffodils outside the NEC centre
A dog arrives in a pram with a sign that reads: ‘I have arthritis please be kin’ on the front
A Hungarian Puli with some of its hair tied up arriving on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show
A dog in a leopard print jumper arriving on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show at the National Exhibition Centre
Miro, a Polish Lowland Sheepdog arriving in an open top crate on the first day of the Crufts Dog Show
Two black dogs arrive ahead of the Birmingham event – one of the world’s biggest dog shows
A basset hound stares adoringly at the camera.Judges assess dogs across a variety of breed groups including working, pastoral and terrier categories
Two Corgis walk on the lead outside the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham
Dogs of all sizes and breeds arrive at the event – all hope to take home the best in show title
Dogs at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham – some looked wilder than others
Three dogs in matching leopard print outfits arrive at the NEC in Birmingham
Two Dalmatian’s arrive at Crufts dog show for day one of the festivities