Crufts – The Ultimate Survival Guide!

Crufts – The Ultimate Survival Guide!

2019 is our sixth year at Crufts and over the years we have learned a few things! In this simple guide, we’ve compiled all the key facts and links so you can see what’s on offer at a glance. We also asked Alison, Ed and Richard to reveal their top tips to help you get the inside track of the magnificent madness that is Crufts!

What you need to know

- It’s at the NEC, Birmingham, Thursday 7 – Sunday 10 March

- Opening times: 8.15am - 18.30pm

- Parking costs £16. Sat Nav: B40 1NT

Tickets are £15 in advance and £18 on the door. Children under 8 are free.

- There will NOT be a children's crèche available during the show this year

- Ticket price includes the 6000 seat Arena and all the shows, apart from Best in Show on Sunday from 2pm. Free Arena shows include: Agility, Flyball, Showing and lots of great fun displays and competitions, including the Scruffts final

- 22,000 dogs compete for Best in Show. Sunday tickets £19-26.

- There are 36 Showing Rings

- Championship Show Days for 2019:

Thursday 7 March: Gundog
Friday 8 March: Working and Pastoral
Saturday 9 March: Terrier and Hound
Sunday 10 March: Toy and Utility
550 exhibition stands sell EVERYTHING for dogs you have ever thought of – and lots you haven’t - in Halls 1,2,3,3A, 4 & 5
- Meet 200 breeds in the Discover Dogs section in Hall 3
- Dog Activities Display Ring – learn how to get involved in all the many great fun dog activities such as agility, gundog training, rally, and so much more.

 

How to get the most out of the day

- Take your own food and lots of water – food at the NEC is limited and expensive

- Take a trolley/case on wheels if you intend to buy lots of things

- Wear comfortable shoes - you will walk miles and be on your feet much of the day

- Wear layers, it’s cool in the morning but gets hotter as the day goes on

- Look at the show guide before you go and plan your shopping like a trip to Ikea crossed with an SAS military operation!

 

Alison, Ed and Richard’s Top Tips:

If there was one bit of advice you would give the first-time attendee what would it be?

Alison: Don’t get bedazzled by all the stands and miss the Arena. Alternate between shopping and shows and PLAN

Ed: Wear comfy shoes

Richard: Take lots of money!

 

What are your must visit stands, (apart from Ruff and Tumble of course!)?

Alison: Grooming stands especially Christies, (Hall 1-178/180) and Canine Design, (Hall 2-98) and Ditsy Pet collars and leads, (Hall 1-184), and Forthglade Natural pet food, (Hall 5-138)

Ed: Dogs and Horses leads and collars, (Hall 2-75)

Richard: Holly and Lil The Collarmakers, leads and collars, (Hall 5-68)

 

What are your must visit shows?

Alison: Kennel Club Friends for Life, Heelwork to Music and Agility

Ed: Rescue Dog Agility

Richard: Flyball

 

What insider knowledge can you offer?

Alison: Go from Hall 5 via the foyer to Hall 1, it’s quicker! Hall 3 loos have the shortest queues

Ed: Go for two days at least – one is just not enough to see everything

Richard: Get there early!

 

And finally, all the reasons to visit Ruff and Tumble FIRST!

Alison: We’re launching a Limited Edition Drying Coat - exclusively on sale at Crufts initially! Come and see the colour and buy one whilst stocks last.

Ed: Ruff and Tumble’s Drying Coats and Mitts are at special show prices!

Richard: Throws and Bed covers ordered at the show will be sent postage free!

 

Read more Crufts trivia and explore our Ruff and Tumble Drying Coats, Drying Mitts, Sofa Throws , Bed Covers and Aprons