I’ve been showing Irish Setters since I was a teenager and have attended every Crufts – apart from the year it was cancelled during Covid – since then, so it would be fair to say I’ve picked up a few handy tips for visiting Crufts and really making the most of your visit.
I’m now a championship show judge for Irish Setters and have been part of the Channel 4 commentary team for the last five years, doing some presenting, too. I’ve also presented the World Dog Show in Croatia and the European Dog Show in Slovenia.
If you can’t go to the show or didn’t manage to watch everything you wanted to, don’t worry. Channel 4 and More4 are showing more hours of Crufts coverage than ever before this year – we’ve put together a full guide on how to watch Crufts 2025.
My tips for visiting Crufts
1. Head to ‘Discover Dogs’ first
If you want to meet as many dogs as possible, the Discover Dogs area at the back of Hall 3 should be your first port of call. This is where you’ll find representatives of every breed registered by the Kennel Club.
You can meet the dogs, take some super-cute photographs and speak to breeders and owners about what the breed is like to live with. It gets super-busy by lunchtime so make this your first stop.
2. Get a seat in the arena
The arena off Hall 1 is where all the action-packed competitions, such as flyball, heelwork to music, agility and the group judging takes place.
Seats are free (except for during Best in Show on Sunday), but the queues can get lengthy, especially on the weekend.
If you’re not set on a specific competition, I’d make this your second pitstop and soak up the atmosphere.
3. Be prepared to shop!
Honestly you will never have seen so many weird and wonderful doggy items for sale, from canine treadmills to hand-baked treats and high-tech toys. Make sure you pack a few shopping bags as you’re bound to see something you need to take home! There are also lots of stalls for personal shopping, too, from Fairfax & Favour to LeMieux.
4. Always put the dogs first
It may sound obvious but always ask the owners’ permission before you pet a dog or take photos of it. It’s the equivalent of the World Cup for those taking part and you probably wouldn’t ask Ronaldo for a selfie when he was in the tunnel waiting to go on pitch! Most owners will love showing off their dog but asking is courtesy.
5. Look out for freebies
Lots of the dog food stalls have free samples available for your pooch to try at home. There are always games where you can win food and treats, too, so look out for those – they’re usually in Hall 1 and Hall 3.
6. Don’t miss the breed judging
The breed judging takes place in all five halls from early morning to late afternoon when the Best of Breed winners go through to the group judging in the Arena, which is what you hear me commentating for Channel 4.
You can buy a show catalogue when you enter any of the halls and this will tell you which breed is in which ring number.
Classes start with puppies and work up to Open, which is for the top-winning dogs and where you’ll be able to spot lots of champions.
This year I’m commentating on the Terrier, Toy, Pastoral and Gundog groups. You can also follow me on Instagram for my experience this year.
7. Wear comfortable shoes
Crufts is spread over five halls of the NEC and I easily clock up 20,000 steps a day when I’m working at the show. Don’t wear new shoes – worn-in trainers or boots are your friend!
If you need to sit down and can’t find anywhere, head to the back of the halls near the breed judging.
9. Don’t get ‘hangry’
I always take a picnic to Crufts (for me and the dogs if I’m showing!) because all the walking makes you work up an appetite quickly. There are food outlets but they tend to get really busy and are very expensive, so bringing your own is a great plan.
Make sure you don’t crack open the sandwiches next to a breed judging ring, though – the owners won’t thank you!
10. Check out the stars of the future
The Young Kennel Club ring in Hall 3 is like a miniature version of Crufts for young people aged six to 24. They qualify throughout the year to compete in finals for handling, grooming, flyball, agility and obedience and it’s brilliant to watch them compete.
It’s where I started showing and I still remember the buzz of the crowds clapping, so go and show them some support.
Read next: All about the Australian Shepherd breed, which was crowned Crufts Best In Show 2024
