What time does Crufts 2026 start today as Claudia Winkleman makes her debut?
The world's largest dog show is back!
Crufts 2026 kicks off today, bringing thousands of dogs and their owners to Birmingham for the world’s most famous canine competition, and this year viewers will see a brand-new face join the presenting team – none other than Claudia Winkleman! But what time does it all start?
The prestigious dog show runs from Thursday, March 5 to Sunday, March 8 at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.
What time does Crufts 2026 start today?
Today’s opening coverage (March 5) begins at 3pm on Channel 4, before continuing later in the evening with shows at 6.30pm on More4 and 7.30pm on Channel 4.
Across the four days, more than 18,000 dogs from over 200 breeds will compete for the coveted Best in Show title, with entrants travelling from across the world, including New Zealand, Peru and Argentina.
Claudia Winkleman makes Crufts debut
One of the biggest changes to this year’s coverage is the arrival of Claudia Winkleman, who joins lead presenter Clare Balding alongside Ellie Simmonds and Radzi Chinyanganya.
The Traitors host will help guide viewers through the action, meeting competitors, chatting with owners and celebrating some of the standout dogs competing throughout the event.
Announcing her new role, Claudia gushed: “I absolutely love dogs and there is literally nowhere else on earth I’d rather be.”
She added: “I can’t wait to join this incredible team. I’m so grateful to Channel 4 for allowing me to be part of it. I have a pocket rammed with treats.”
Claudia’s passion for dogs is well known, particularly when it comes to her beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Skip.
Sharing her excitement with fans ahead of the show, she joked on social media that she would be arriving prepared with “treats, a perfume that smells of ham and my dog voice”.
Lead presenter Clare Balding also welcomed Claudia to the team, saying she was excited to work alongside her.
Clare said: “She really loves dogs and will bring an additional element of fun, as well as intelligent curiosity and, of course, style.”
Crufts 2026
Crufts remains the largest dog show in the world, with thousands of entries competing across agility, obedience and breed competitions before the prestigious Best in Show final on Sunday night.
Last year’s title was awarded to Miuccia, a four-year-old whippet from Italy. Miuccia made history as the first Italian dog ever to win the competition.
Despite the global prestige, the financial prize is modest. The Best in Show winner will take home £200 and a replica of the Keddall Memorial Trophy.
For most competitors, however, the real reward is the honour, and the potential boost in breeding value, that comes with winning at the world’s most famous dog show.
