Vintage dogs: Our favourite archive photos from 133 years of Crufts’
Explore cherished moments with these delightful archive photos, celebrating the enduring charm of man’s best friend.
By
Published: Sunday, 10 March 2024 at 01:47 AM
Join us as we take a nostalgic journey in pictures through the illustrious history of Crufts.
These images span the show’s history, offering a glimpse into the timeless charm that has defined this iconic dog event since it began in 1891.
Founded by Charles Cruft (1852-1938), the show’s inaugural event took place in Islington, London.
Since 1948, the internationally renowned show has been organised by the Kennel Club (UK), and in 1991, Crufts moved to its current home at the NEC, Birmingham.
Photos from Cruft’s archive:
5th February 1966: Dogs and their owners at Crufts. Credit: GettyMrs Dulcie Rice with two of her borzois, outside Crufts. Credit: Getty1924: Miss Ivy Lord holds up her three Pekingese dogs along with the second prize certificate she won at Crufts. Credit: Getty11th February 1914: Competitors wait outside the Agricultural Hall for Crufts Dog Show as the Cross sisters on the left, arrive with arms and baskets full of Pekinese. Credit: Getty6th February 1953: A general view of Cruft’s Dog Show at Olympia during the judging on the first day. Credit: Getty1952: A dog owner arriving at the Grand Hall, Olympia, for Crufts. In the background (right) is a group of press photographers. Credit: GettyMarch 2002: A boy in a cage with winning Bassett Hounds at Crufts. Credit: Getty1952: Owners show off their dogs to the judges at Crufts dog show, held at the Grand Hall, Olympia, London. Credit: Getty1955: Tzigane Aggri of Nashend, a poodle owned by Mrs. Proctor, wins Best In Show. Credit: Getty 1959: Pekingese dogs are groomed ahead of judging. Credit: Getty1929: Miss V. Clarke and English mastiff Buster wear protective eyewear as sun ray treatment is administered before he takes part in the show. Credit: Getty 1968: Influentional post-war photographer, Tony Ray-Jones (1941-1972), captures a moment at Crufts. Credit: Getty
1956: Patience (by name and nature) the St Bernard dog looks longingly at her owner as she eats her sandwich. Credit: Getty
1964: Bloodhound Rosie rests on his owner’s shoulder. Credit: Getty 1971: West Highland white terriers arrive at the Crufts dog show in a pram, pushed by Miss Freda Cook of the Famecheck Kennels, in Essex. Credit: Getty1976: Owners with their Pekingese dogs. Credit: Getty1964: Rosie the bloodhound wearing a duffel coat and deerstalker. Credit: Getty1952: Children and their dogs at Crufts. Credit: Getty1933: Mr B J Billyard sitting with his bulldog, Parkholme Primula. Credit: Getty 2002: A woman owner eats lunch watched by her Bassett Hounds. Credit: Getty1934: Photographer Edward Malindine captures Crufts for the Daily Herald newspaper. Credit: Getty1966: A sweet moment between young dog-owner and her Great Dane, captured by photographer Tony Ray-Jones (1941-1972). Credit: Getty1952: A doorman welcomes two Miniature Bull Terriers and their owner to Crufts dog show. Credit: Getty1975: Eileen Snelling from Reading brings her Afghan Hound to Crufts. Credit: Getty1977: A moment to catch up during the action at Crufts. Credit: Getty
Visiting the show?
Buy tickets to visit this year’s show, which takes place from 7 – 10 March at the NEC, Birmingham.
