Thousands of dogs of all shapes and sizes are descending on Birmingham for the annual Crufts dog show.
More than 18,000 dogs are expected at the world’s premier canine event.
They will showcase the finest in breeding, training, and handling over the course of the competition, which runs until Sunday at the National Exhibition Centre.
The Kennel Club said there is a strong international contingent this year, with more than 4,500 entries from overseas.
Competitors are travelling from as far afield as Peru and New Zealand, all hoping to secure the coveted 'Best in Show' title.
In 2025, the top honour went to Miuccia, a four-year-old whippet from Venice, Italy.
Reserve Best in Show went to Dzhozias Viking, a Tibetan Mastiff from Romania.
Day one of the competition will showcase the best working and pastoral pups, as well as displays of obedience, heelwork to music, and energetic flyball races.
West Midlands Police will also display the best work of its dog unit, which has been preparing for the show for weeks.
Day two, Friday, will see the best terriers and hounds strut their stuff, followed by utility and toy breeds on Saturday, and gundogs on Sunday.
Dog fans at home can enjoy 17-and-a-half hours of Crufts coverage from the comfort of their sofa, as the competition’s best bits will be shown on Channel 4 and More4.
Claudia Winkleman, of Strictly Come Dancing and The Traitors UK fame, will host the prestigious event for Channel 4 alongside Clare Balding, Ellie Simmonds, and Radzi Chinyanganya.
Winkleman earlier said: “I absolutely love dogs and there is literally nowhere else on earth I’d rather be.
“I can’t wait to join this incredible team and I’m so grateful to Channel 4 for allowing me to be part of it. I have a pocket rammed with treats.”
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