Crufts: my first time behind the scenes of the world’s greatest dog show

I went to Crufts at the NEC Birmingham for my first time this year. I think for many years I have seen Crufts on TV – as I enjoy most dog focused programmes being a dog lover. What struck me was the difference between what is shown on TV vs the reality of attending was stark.

As I walked into the giant halls – I was immediately overwhelmed. A sea of exhibition stands as far as the eye could see. I had followed all the advice I had looked at beforehand to wear comfy shoes and clothes, bring a bag and also think about taking your own food as the options at the event are limited and expensive. I had brought a large water bottle with me – but I had run out of time to organise lunch, so I was eager to see what options there were.  

Meeting the breeds 

As we started to wander around I spotted a familiar looking breed just up the walkway. The owner had noticed me looking intently at the dogs and we caught eye contact. I said excitedly, “is this a Swedish Vallhund?” and she replied smiling “yes they are”. I was firstly inwardly pleased I had identified the breed correctly as it is not one you commonly see, but also that I was able to say hello to the dogs once I’d asked permission to do so, which the owner was very accommodating.  

After this interaction the best way I can explain the feeling was a dopamine hit, and then as we continued to walk around and we encountered more and more dogs the dopamine was relentless. I had no idea there would be that many dogs just being walked around the exhibitions. I was mindful that I would not get very far if I said hello to every dog even though the desire to do so was high.   

The shopping frenzy and the ‘tote bag’ lesson 

I turned my focus to the exhibition stands with a new focus in mind – what am I missing for my puppy and would today be a sensible day to find it? Of course, as many pet parents will relate to it can be very easy to overspend on your pup and buy items you believe are important for them, and you soon realise that not everything is a must have. My puppy is equally as happy with destroying cardboard rolls from kitchen towels as she was playing with her relatively expensive toys bought from the pet store.  

The only thing that sprung to mind that I did really want to find was a training toy that my puppy trainer had used in our session for recall which I wanted to replicate outside of the sessions. Fortunately, it was one of the first stands that we encountered, and I recognised the brand name and products. The stand was popular with many people browsing the products which also gave me reassurance it was the “right” one. My first purchase done and my first mistake made at Crufts. I was upsold a £1 branded tote bag to carry my purchase. Being £1 I didn’t think anything of it. I justified it in my head that it would help me carry around anything else I happened to acquire for the rest of the day. In the midst of the dopamine rushes and not thinking clearly, I had forgotten the backpack I was already wearing.  

I also was not aware that there was a large volume of stands (that I had not yet visited) that would be giving out branded tote bags for free with samples and free goodies! I ended up leaving the show with 4 tote bags in total.

Navigating the ‘relentless’ exhibition halls 

As we walked along the line of exhibitors I was rushed on being asked questions and my brain was over stimulated. “Do you have a dog?”, “What type of dog are they?”, “How old is your dog?”, “What does your dog eat?” questions after questions in order toto determine the product they were going to pitch to you, and poised with data capture forms or iPad ready to capture your name and email address. There were also competitions everywhere to win goodies on the day. Spin to win, hoopla, fill in to win, find the stall. It was relentless – and obviously having exhibited at various events you know the end game. However, as the target consumer, I had forgotten how over stimulating it can be. And of course, every time you won something free you then wanted to actively seek out the next competition to win something again. 

Reflection on canine welfare 

Next on the agenda was to go to the ‘Discover Dogs’ section to browse all the different dog breeds and to meet with owners and dogs of all shapes and sizes. Once again, this was so overwhelming as every breed you could think of, and even those you couldn’t were showcased. The dogs generally seemed very comfortable with being constantly touched and fussed over. What I wasn’t sure was whether they were just extremely docile and tolerant or actually enjoyed and thrived off the interactions. I wouldn’t understand dog behaviour enough to guess but it certainly went through my mind as it could easily be both scenarios dependent on the dog. 

As I continued to walk around the thoughts of my own puppy’s current socialising training is ongoing with a trainer to guide me, and it is very much at a distance. There is no nose-to-nose socialising going on, we are at a distance that my puppy is comfortable with, and it becomes very apparent when the distance becomes uncomfortable for her. A lot of this is to do with age and training her to become a confident, well socialised dog without throwing her into nose-to-nose engagements you would typically see in dog parks, group walks etc. The thought of bringing my puppy into this environment was inconceivable at this point in time. 

Sustenance and spectacles 

Mid way through my day there I was in need of a sustenance stop and stumbled across a street food section. I enjoyed my halloumi gyro but at £15 I can see why others suggested bringing your own lunch. However, I did appreciate the opportunity to take a seat for a short period as there is not much seating options in the halls. 

We did fit in some activity displays such as dog obedience and agility which was enjoyable and the dogs seemed very engaged and enjoying those activities and they were certainly crowd pleasers. 

What Crufts taught me 

After more browsing of the exhibition halls and after 5 hours of being there I was exhausted and needed to leave. The tiredness was overwhelming and on the train journey home I was reflecting on everything I had seen. I had seen more dogs in one area than I ever have done or ever will. Lines of dog benches where owners are waiting to go into whichever event their dog was taking part. After I had separated the novelty, I was experiencing of seeing lines of “Dulux” dogs all in a row, I did wonder how much the dogs actually wanted to be there, and given a choice would they choose to be there. I daren’t say anyone would be able to definitively answer that question. 

My algorithm was also delivering me a lot of Crufts content which showed different perspectives of the event which not only shocked me, but saddened me as I had gone in to the event with a rose tinted view that this was purely a celebration of dogs – like I’d seen on TV watching Crufts.   

As I stared at my astonishing volume of ‘freebies’I had received (in exchange for my data), I thought to myself was this event for me or for the dogs? My own puppy was of course exceedingly happy with her freebies of tennis balls, puppy treats, and puppy foods. And the most successful treats will likely become a regular purchase so the businesses attending will be happy.    

When I got home and after experiencing the high and then subsequent low, I crashed out on the sofa – I was physically and emotionally spent. So, what has my first experience of Crufts taught me?  

It is clear to see that as a nation we LOVE dogs, and there is a want to celebrate them, which is how I had always pictured Crufts. However, it is impossible to ignore the other angles and spotlights being thrown onto the event that dim that view considerably. My hope is that for future events some of the feedback from experts, for examples dog behaviourists is taken on board and the event is adjusted so that Crufts can stand by encouraging responsible dog ownership.  

As to the question around pedigree standards, I would be sad if some pedigrees were lost all together (like I’ve seen discussed as potential banned dog breeds). I would hope there was an alternative way to achieve better health and wellness outcomes from future breeding – and more is done to improve health checks and strengthening welfare rules.