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Top Tips for Visiting Crufts
The 125th Crufts anniversary is only a few months away and we cannot wait! Known for being the championship conformation show for dogs, Crufts appeals to all audiences, offering countless stalls of canine goods and services, as well as hosting agility competitions.
At Dog Rocks, we have been long standing visitors and exhibitors at Crufts and have put together our ten top tips for visiting Crufts, the UK’s biggest dog show.
1. Dress for the occasion
Crufts is made up of various halls, jam-packed with stalls selling doggy services and goods, as well as holding the actual show and competitions themselves. Over one day, each visitor will walk many miles, so do make sure you are wearing practical footwear!
With over 22,000 visitors to the show each year (and that’s not including the dogs!) it can also get extremely warm so do wear layers so you regulate your temperature!
2. No dogs allowed
…Well, unless they are invited. Despite being a dog show, only dogs who have been invited by Kennel Club, or who are registered assistance dogs, are allowed into Crufts. So our advice is to leave them at home.
3. Keep refreshed
You may not even be aware of how much you have walked over the course of the morning, so make sure you stay hydrated and well fed. There are a fantastic selection of cafes at Crufts but you can also take your own food and drink in.
4. Early entrance:
As you would imagine, Crufts gets extremely busy mid-morning to lunchtime, as does the carpark. In order to park easily and avoid pushing through the crowds, allow plenty of time to have a good look around before the crowds gather.
5. Take note:
It’s impossible not to buy any doggy goodies at Crufts. However, remember you will be carrying items around with you all day (unless you want to make a visit to the car). We suggest making a note of any stalls and the hall number to visit before you leave.
6. Shop around
With the above point in mind, be sure to shop around before purchasing. With over 400 stalls there is plenty of competition to see before purchasing, it will also give you time to consider if you really need yet another dog outfit!
7. Revise before visiting:
Most first time visitors tell me they are over whelmed when they visit Crufts, it’s hard not to be with so many stalls, dogs and people! If there are any competitions you specifically want to see, make sure you have the location and time before you set off!
Check what’s on at Crufts to put a plan together for your visit!
Remember that you will be required to buy a ticket for the carpark which you can do after you park. For all travel information, visit the Cruft’s website.
8. Stick to a plan:
Similar to above, but we warn you that it is very, very easy to get distracted when you visit Crufts, you make a diversion to see some more dogs and 3 hours pass in the blink of an eye. Decide what you want to do prior to arriving and stick to it the best you can.
9. Week days over weekend
If you have the luxury to choose the Thursday/Friday over the weekend to visit, we strongly recommend you do. The weekend is obviously more popular to the full time workers and therefore busier.
10. Use your time wisely…
Crufts may be the only chance you will be able to speak to some of the UK’s experts in dog care, breeds and in the specific fields. If you are looking for advice on anything, be in dog behaviour or a specific breed, make sure you take the time to pay a visit to that stall.
Located in Hall 3, Discover Dogs is an excellent opportunity to see over 200 breeds of unique and wonderful dogs you don’t often see. The owners and breeders are on hand to provide useful advice on grooming, training and whether the breed is right for you.