Crufts
Crufts derives its name from the founder - Charles Cruft - who started his career as a dog biscuit salesman for pet food manufacturer, Spratts. He quickly gained popularity through his selling skills and transformed the company into a successful venture. The job also put him in touch with French dog breeders who sought his expertise in organising a campaign for the canine section of the Paris Exhibition. Soon enough his talents were recognised by the organisers of the Allied Terrier Club Show at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster. In 1886 he was invited to head the management. Charles Cruft, impelled by the immense popularity of dog shows, organised the first Crufts show himself in 1891 and made huge profits. Upon his death in 1939, Mrs. Cruft requested the Kennel Club to continue the show and from 1948 onwards the Crufts show began to be held under the sponsorship of Kennel Club. The first show was held at Olympia, and since then Crufts has consistently gained in popularity over each successive year. The show was moved to Earls Court in 1979. The ballooning number of visitors and their pets compelled the organisers to look for even larger venues leading to a move to Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre from 1991 onwards, and has continued to host Crufts every year to date.
The Guinness Book of World Records has accredited Crufts as the greatest dog show on earth. The show, held in March each year, attracts over 20,000 top pedigree canines and their owners. Crufts, in its present form, is extended to four days and the competitions include categories such as working and pastoral breeds, terrier and hound, and gundog. The most eagerly awaited part of the event is 'the Best in Show' - the prestigious awards ceremony for the Champion of Champions.
| Date | Thursday 10th March 2011 to Sunday 13th March 2011 |
| Location | National Exhibition Centre (NEC) |
| Web links | Related link |
Venue details | National Exhibition Centre (NEC) |
Address | Birmingham B40 1NT |
| Telephone No. | +44 (0) 121 780 4141 Ticket Factory: +44 (0) 871 945 6000 |
| Opening times | Depending on Events |
 | Venue details |
| feedback@necgroup.co.uk | |
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UK Pets & Domestic animals events
Crufts is a truly family event and the organisers ensure that there is something in it for every one. Besides the hundreds of trade stands, the show also includes art displays dedicated to man's best friend, celebrity speakers and demonstrations of dog agility and obedience.