CRUFTS has returned for another year of pampered pooches and, of course, plenty of behind-the-scenes drama.
The competition, often dubbed “the Olympics of the dog world”, has a long, colourful and sometimes dark history.
Crufts was first held at the Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington, in 1891, and while it’s mostly about waggy tails and grooming it’s seen its fair share of jaw-dropping controversies.
These are the biggest scandals to ever hit the green carpet.
The ‘Poisoning’ of Jagger (2015)
Jagger’s story is easily one of the most chilling in Crufts‘ history.
In 2015, the prize-winning Irish Setter suddenly collapsed and tragically died shortly after returning home to Belgium from the show.
The timing of Jagger’s death certainly raised a few eyebrows and an autopsy later found beef chunks laced with fast-acting toxins in his stomach.
Reports of a “serial dog killer” soon emerged and rumours they were targeting rival dogs at the venue, NEC Birmingham, spiralled out of control.
But, the reality of Jagger’s death was soon brought to light as a toxicology report suggested the poisoning likely happened in Belgium and not at the show.
The “Crufts Murder Mystery” still remains the most famous headline in the event’s history.
‘Pedigree Dogs Exposed’ (2008)
This wasn’t just a scandal, it was an existential crisis as the Beeb aired a damning documentary.
Pedigree Dogs Exposed revealed that many “Best in Show” standards actually promoted genetic diseases and physical deformities in pooches.
One standout example was skulls too small for brains in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
The fallout from the documentary was detrimental and the BBC dropped Crufts after 40 years of broadcasting.
The RSPCA and various sponsors pulled out, forcing the Kennel Club to overhaul breed standards and introduce mandatory health checks for “high-profile” breeds.
The Sloping German Shepherd (2016)
Public uproar reached an all time high when Tori, a German Shepherd, won Best of Breed despite appearing to have a severely deformed, “banana-shaped” back and difficulty walking.
Fans were mortified by her laboured movements and even the show’s commentator Clare Balding expressed her concern live on-air.
Tori invertedly became the face of the “health vs looks” debate, which forced The Kennel Club – who own the dog show – to penalise “exaggerated” physical traits more strictly.
The Kennel Club has announced that from 2026, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, and Pugs with a grade two or grade three respiratory assessment will be banned.
The Tail-Lifting “Fix” (2015)
In the same year as Jagger’s “poisoning” scandal, Crufts was hit by more backlash – but this time for a dog owner.
The Best in Show winner, Knopa, a Scottish Terrier, was spotted by fans as her handler Rebecca Cross ruthlessly lifted her up by the tail.
This completely horrified viewers and is against Kennel Club regulations.
Despite the public outcry, Knopa still won the top prize and fans were not happy as they accused Crufts of “fixing” the results in favour of American handlers.
PETA’s Ring Invasions (2015 & 2024)
Like many events that garner lots of attention, Crufts has previously been a prime target for activism.
In 2015, a protester breached security and made it into the arena, carrying a sign with the words, “Mutts Against Crufts” scrawled across it.
The owner of the winning Whippet, Tease, was forced to grab her pooch and make a mad dash for safety.
A similar incident unravelled in 2024, and security were filmed being particularly forceful with a protester in a wheelchair.
Crufts viewers then became embroiled in a debate over the show’s security tactics.
Prolific Streaker Hits Crufts (2010)
Mark Roberts, from Merseyside, gave Crufts viewers quite the eyeful when he invaded the prestigious dog competition.
The man in his 60s interrupted proceedings of the Gundog contest back in 2010.
He ran onto the floor nearly starkers.
Mark wore nothing but shoes, socks and a cat-shaped mask covering his modesty along the words “I streak.com” written on his chest.
In 2018, he claimed to have stripped-off at 568 events. He said he’ll “never stop.”
The “Sisterly” Favouritism (2016)
Esteemed Judge Di Arrowsmith was blasted with accusations of favouritism when she awarded the Best of Gundog Group to a Gordon Setter named James.
It soon came to fans’ attention that James was co-owned by the judge’s sister.
But, while this isn’t technically a rule break if the judge has “no interest” in the dog, it was disastrous for the legendary TV show‘s credibility.
Crufts 2026 kicked off on Thursday March 5 and is running until Sunday March 8.
