Crufts Day One: World's greatest dog show gets underway at NEC Birmingham

Crufts kicked off in style on a jam-packed day of action at NEC Birmingham.

Organised by The Kennel Club, Crufts is the greatest dog event in the world and celebrates every aspect of the role that dogs play in our lives.

And with several top prizes already dished out across a number of different breeds, we've picked out some of the best pictures as dog lovers far and wide begin to flock to the NEC.

Penny, a 4 year old Maltese from Guilford greets visitors in the Discover Dogs Area on Thursday (imagecomms/BeatMedia/The Kennel Club)

Lucy Page with their German Short Haired Pointer, called Millie, at the benches on Thursday (imagecomms/BeatMedia/The Kennel Club)

Delia Gorse’s Golden Retriever, called Kite, on Thursday (imagecomms/BeatMedia/The Kennel Club)

Lucy Page with their German Short Haired Pointer, called Millie, at the benches on Thursday (imagecomms/BeatMedia/The Kennel Club)

Crufts, run by The Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and of the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners. Crufts is held from 9-12 March 2023 at the NEC Birmingham. Viewers can follow all the action and highlights on Channel 4 and More4, and for further information and tickets visit crufts.org.uk