Photo Credit: Petful

The UK's premier annual canine event, Crufts, is one of the biggest dog shows in the world, with an average of 28,000 dogs taking part in its many classes. The four-day event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham attracts around 160,000 spectators each year, with a further 2.5 million UK viewers watching on TV. During its 127-year history, Crufts has evolved into far more than a dog show - today, it has become a national institution, celebrating every aspect of the important role that dogs play in our lives. It was first televised in 1952 by the BBC and has been covered by Channel 4 in recent years, with a record 14 hours of coverage for the 2018 event. The show was named after its founder, Charles Cruft, the enterprising general manager of Spratt's dog biscuit manufacturing company in London. He organised dog shows and managed the livestock sections of agricultural shows across Europe before returning to London to launch the most enduring dog show in the world in 1891. Charles Cruft Born in London in June 1852, Charles Cruft grew up to be a forward-thinking and ambitious businessman. The son of a manufacturing jeweller, he had already decided the family business wasn't for him by the time he was 13 years old. Instead, he applied for the position of office boy at Spratt's Holborn shop. The company, the brainchild of American businessman James Spratt, was famous for its patented Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes. Cruft overhauled the book-keeping system, making it more efficient and distinguishing between retail and wholesale customers. He also improved the Spratt's brand, introducing the trademark Maltese cross design on its marketing materials, and imprinting it on each dog biscuit. He was so adept at his job that he was promoted to field sales and by the age of 18, he was out winning orders for the "dog cakes" from clients such as gamekeepers and dog show promoters. He became head of Spratt's show department and was then promoted to general manager, when he travelled extensively around Europe, promoting the brand. In 1878, while in France, he was asked to run a dog show at the World's Fair in Paris. Its success led to further offers of work and Cruft ran shows for the Scottish Kennel Club and for the Brussels and Antwerp International Exhibitions, where he was head of the livestock section. He managed the Royal Agricultural Society's poultry shows and became co-founder and secretary of the Schipperke Club of Brussels, celebrating the Belgian dog breed. Launch of Crufts With a proven track record, Cruft was approached by the Duchess of Newcastle in 1886 to run a dog show for terriers in London. It opened on 10th March at the Royal Aquarium in Westminster and was billed as The First Great Show of All Kinds of Terriers. It was a huge success, attracting 570 entries across 57 classes. The show, generally accepted as the forerunner of Crufts, ran annually until 1890, with other breeds being added over the years, including collies and several species of toy dog. The first official Crufts show took place in 1891, named in his honour because of the success and expansion of the initial show. The Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington, was the venue for the Crufts Greatest Dog Show. Subsequently, it took place annually and by 1914, it had been recognised as the world's largest dog show. Crufts went from strength to strength, with more than 10,000 dogs taking part in 1936. Following Charles Cruft's death in 1938, at the age of 86, his widow, Emma, took over running the show. It has been held every year since 1891, taking a break only during the 1914/18 and 1939/45 world wars. Post-war In 1948, Emma Cruft handed over control of the show to its current organiser, the Kennel Club. By this time, Crufts was attracting more than 80 different breeds - today, the number of breeds stands at around 200. It became an obedience championship as well as a show in 1955. Agility classes were launched in 1978, flyball was introduced in 1990 and heelwork to music was first demonstrated in 1992. The show was extended to four days in 1987 to accommodate increasing numbers of entrants and visitors. Crufts Centenary Show was held in 1991 at its new venue, the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre, marking the first time it had ever been held outside London. In 1994, the Kennel Club launched the Discover Dogs area, promoting responsible ownership and enabling spectators to find out more about which breed might best suit their lifestyle. Rescue dog agility classes were introduced in 2000 and in 2004, the Friends for Life Competition was first held, recognising bravery in dogs. Crufts today The historic show has transitioned seamlessly into the 21st century, taking advantage of social networking by setting up its own Facebook page in 2008, which is now followed by more than 500,000 people. In 2009, Crufts was streamed online for the first time, becoming the most viewed YouTube channel in the UK during the event. Making its debut in 2008, new attractions have included Cani-Cross, which is a canine cross-country event that teaches people new ways to get fit with their dog. The Health Zone was launched in 2009, where experts provide information and advice to owners. Dog rescue charities have their own area, so the public can find out about their work and how to adopt a dog. The Kennel Club is increasingly vigilant in looking out for mistreatment or ill health in entrants and can monitor dogs they think are unhealthy and report them to the show vet if necessary. In 2011, Get Fit With Fido was launched in conjunction with Rosemary Conley Diet and Fitness Clubs to keep owners and their dogs fit. The same year, the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Ring launched its exhibition of bully breeds from Wood Green Animal Shelter to publicise the plight of dogs who are often bought as a status symbol, but then dumped at the shelter. There's also a competition for non-pedigree dogs, called Scruffts: Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year. Heats are held across the country throughout the year and the winners receive their prize on the final day of Crufts in the championship arena. Best in Show The Crufts 2018 Best in Show Champion was a two-year-old whippet called Tease, who was crowned on Sunday 11th March. His full name is Collooney Tartan Tease and he is owned by Yvette Short of Edinburgh. He triumphed over thousands of dogs from all over the world to win the coveted crown. The other six finalists were Roo the Border Collie, Howard the Papillon, Nana the Newfoundland, Chanel the Akita, Bopper the Scottish Terrier and Chilli the Pointer. Statistically, the Cocker Spaniel is the breed which has won the most Best in Show crowns over the years. Plans are well advanced for next year's Crufts, which takes place from March 7th to 10th at Birmingham NEC. Tickets will be going on sale on Monday 29th October. The schedule includes gun dog classes on Thursday 7th March, working and pastoral on Friday 8th March, terrier and hound on Saturday 9th March, and toy and utility on Sunday 10th March. However, spare a thought for the people who have to clean the venue after Crufts, as they have to remove around 350kg of dog fur! Country style Whether you have a championship pedigree dog, a bundle of fun who's a contender for Scruffts, or a working dog, Griggs can get you kitted out for the great outdoors! Established in 1970, in the heart of Cornwall, Griggs' country store provides outdoor clothing and leisurewear for all seasons – perfect for dog walking! To view our extensive range, please visit our website.