World-famous Crufts dog show returns but without its Russian competitors

Mar 10, 2022

The world’s biggest dog show Crufts is back, with a mix of breeds, hairstyles and outfits as the dogs compete after last year’s cancellation due to the pandemic.

Miniature poodles in leopard print and Saint Bernards in bibs showed off their fun outfits as the annual show, held at Birmingham’s NEC, began today.

Dog owners travel from all over the world to watch the dogs compete in a variety of competitions in areas like agility and obedience.

While over 20,000 dogs have entered the competition this year, with 1,843 competitors arriving from overseas, Russian exhibitors will not take part.

The Kennel Club, which organises the event, took the decision to ban exhibitors from Russia following the country’s invasion of its neighbour.

The United Nations estimates that 2.3 million people have fled Ukraine since the invasion began.

The organisers sent a message of support to Ukraine in a statement.

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“Our friends in Ukraine, and their dogs, are fearing for their lives and we will do all that we can to support them wherever possible,” they said.

The organisers added that the ban was a “testament to our sadness and concern about this situation”.

The chairman of the Kennel Club said the organisation will donate £25,000 to Federation Cynologique Internationale, a worldwide canine organisation, to help breeders, owners and dogs in need in Ukraine, Poland and Hungary.

Tony Allcock added that the ban on Russian exhibitors was taken with “heavy hearts” and “with full recognition that this is a war driven by the leaders of the country and not the people”.

Crufts will run until Sunday following the conclusion of the Best in Show presentation.

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