Tips for competing on Gundog Day at Crufts

If you’ve entered BASC’s working gundog classes at Crufts this year, read our guide on how it all works and what to expect ahead of the big day.

Gundog Day at Crufts 2026 is Sunday 8 March. As we have been doing for many years now, BASC is running the gamekeeper classes for working dogs. Eligibility is restricted to gundogs that have worked on shoots throughout the season on a regular basis. Entries for this year’s show have now closed.

As well as individual breed classes, BASC classes include gamekeeper teams and working gundog teams. And, of course, our ever-popular classes for young handlers. Judging the gamekeeper classes this year will be Raymond Holt, Jeremy Organ and Megan Fox.

Competing at Crufts is the pinnacle in the dog show world. The BASC gamekeeper classes are a chance to showcase working gundogs in their prime to an audience who may not be aware of the athleticism, training and partnership that exists between gundog and handler.

How to get the most from the day

Taking part in Crufts, particularly for the first time, is a very exciting experience and there is no need to feel intimidated by the day.

Here are a few tips on getting ready for the show:

1. Having registered with Crufts, you should have received a registration number through the post for each dog you have entered, plus your tickets. The last date for entries was 26 January.

2. If you are hoping to stay overnight at the event, be sure to book your room as soon as possible, as hotels near the event fill up very quickly. Remember to ask if they are dog-friendly.

3. Gundog Day at Crufts is always a busy one and the traffic around the area can be quite heavy. Sunday is also Best in Show day, so expect it to be even busier than usual. Ensure you leave your home/hotel in good time and get there early.

4. Be aware that the walk from the car parks to the NEC can be quite a distance so factor in this time with your plans. Walking into Crufts with your dog for the first time will suddenly give you a real buzz and you’ll wonder why you didn’t enter before!

5. Make sure you check which bench you have been allocated and the hall you need to be in. Head for this first and use your bench as a base for the day.

6. Once you’re settled in, make yourself familiar with the area. Find out where the toilets, exits and restaurants are – and, most importantly, where your specific show ring is.

A few ring-day pointers

Check your class times again and in the ring in which they’re being held. Class times will be displayed at the edge of the rings throughout the day.
If you have entered several classes or several dogs, check that the classes do not overlap. We try to arrange the ring timings to prevent this, but sometimes having a few classes overlap slightly is unavoidable. If this happens, you may need to make arrangements to get round it.
If you are entering dogs in more than one breed class, you will need to establish which rings you need to be at for each event. Allow yourself ten minutes to get to the correct ring. It can become crowded during the day and moving around the halls can take a while.
Ring stewards will be walking around before each class so ensure your dog’s registration number is on display. This will help the stewards direct you into the ring. They will also be on hand to explain to you what the judge wishes to see.
When it’s your turn to go in, you will be asked to lead your dog around the ring. The judge will then physically inspect your dog. After all the dogs in the class have been judged, a shortlist will be chosen.
The top five dogs will be individually placed from first to ‘Very Highly Commended’. If you win your class, you will be asked to return after classes have finished to receive your trophy.

From ring to arena

Winners of the gamekeeper-only classes will go to the main arena at the end of the day and be judged for the gamekeeper classes best in show. The winner of this title will take home the Northesk Memorial Trophy.

Be aware that once you’re in, no exhibitor is allowed to leave site earlier than 4pm. It can be very busy trying to exit the NEC at this time and you may find it’s worth waiting until later on before leaving.

Good luck, and we hope you and your dog have a wonderful day at Crufts.

F or more details on the history of the gamekeeper rings at Crufts, click here.