Explore cherished moments with these delightful archive photos, celebrating the enduring charm of man’s best friend.

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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: Getty
Mrs Dulcie Rice with two of her borzois, outside Crufts. Credit: Getty
1924: Miss Ivy Lord holds up her three Pekingese dogs along with the second prize certificate she won at Crufts. Credit: Getty
11th 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: Getty
6th February 1953: A general view of Cruft’s Dog Show at Olympia during the judging on the first day. Credit: Getty
1952: A dog owner arriving at the Grand Hall, Olympia, for Crufts. In the background (right) is a group of press photographers. Credit: Getty
March 2002: A boy in a cage with winning Bassett Hounds at Crufts. Credit: Getty
1952: Owners show off their dogs to the judges at Crufts dog show, held at the Grand Hall, Olympia, London. Credit: Getty
1955: 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: Getty
1929: 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: Getty
1976: Owners with their Pekingese dogs. Credit: Getty
1964: Rosie the bloodhound wearing a duffel coat and deerstalker. Credit: Getty
1952: Children and their dogs at Crufts. Credit: Getty
1933: Mr B J Billyard sitting with his bulldog, Parkholme Primula. Credit: Getty 
2002: A woman owner eats lunch watched by her Bassett Hounds. Credit: Getty
1934: Photographer Edward Malindine captures Crufts for the Daily Herald newspaper. Credit: Getty
1966: A sweet moment between young dog-owner and her Great Dane, captured by photographer Tony Ray-Jones (1941-1972). Credit: Getty
1952: A doorman welcomes two Miniature Bull Terriers and their owner to Crufts dog show. Credit: Getty
1975: Eileen Snelling from Reading brings her Afghan Hound to Crufts. Credit: Getty
1977: A moment to catch up during the action at Crufts. Credit: Getty

Visiting the show?

Find out more about Crufts 2024

Don’t miss out on the action at this year’s show with our ultimate guide to Crufts 2024, and if you’ve loved looking at these photos, check out our selection of the photos from Crufts that will melt your heart. Plus, find out the best dog breed and discover the most pampered pooches in the world.