Crufts returns to Channel 4
February 22, 2023
The world’s most famous dog show returns to television screens with more than 16 hours of coverage on Channel 4 and More4.
Clare Balding will return this year with presenters Sophie Morgan, who made her Crufts debut in 2022, and Radzi Chinyanganya. Also returning is veterinary professional Dr Paul Manktelow, and famed dog trainer Ashleigh Butler who will also be competing in the show. Pet nutritionist and assistance dog advocate Chloé Fuller, who taught her dog Ted more than 100 commands to help her around the house and dog behaviourist Chirag Patel will be featuring in the coverage as well, along with two special guests.
This year’s Crufts will run from March 9th to 12th and viewers will be able to follow the event across Channel 4 platforms, including on demand on All 4. Some 20,000 dogs will be at the NEC Birmingham as Crufts marks its 133rd year. This year’s coverage is set to include classic favourites such as live Flyball, Agility, Heelwork to Music, The Kennel Club Hero Dog award and of course, the infamous Best in Show title for which 222 different breeds can compete.
Balding said: “Crufts is always a massive highlight of my year. There’s really nothing like it, the sights and sounds of the place, the agility, heelwork to music, flyball and judging every day, the people and of course the dogs! For a dog lover, there’s nothing like it and as a viewer there’s nowhere better to find expert tips, advice, and guidance on how best to look after your own dog, and basically just indulge your passion for all things canine.”
The coverage line-up also includes a spotlight on some of Britain’s fast disappearing native breeds, dog ownership in a cost-of-living crisis, canine communication, and expert advice on responsible dog ownership and care. Viewers will also be able to get involved from home across all of Channel 4’s social channels and via Whatsapp QR code. Organised and hosted by The Kennel Club, the largest organisation in the UK devoted to dog health, welfare, and training, it is the largest show of its kind in the world and has been broadcast by Channel 4 and produced by Sunset+Vine since 2010.
Antonia Howard-Taylor, Commissioning Executive, Channel 4, said: “There is no other event in existence that celebrates the nation’s love of dogs in the way that Crufts has since 1891. Once again, we are so proud to be able to bring dog lovers across the UK an exciting line-up of coverage from this iconic show, and to welcome back Sophie and Radzi to our stellar presenting team led by Clare.”
This year’s Crufts will be supporting the Stand Up To Cancer Walkies Challenge, in partnership between Channel 4 and Cancer Research UK. Starting in April, the challenge encourages people to get out walking with their dogs to raise money for the Stand Up To Cancer campaign, which brings the UK together to speed up progress in life-saving cancer research.