Crufts 2025: First look inside day one of dog competition at the NEC, Birmingham

Take a look at the video above (click to play) as Crufts 2025 welcomes thousands of precious pups and their wonderful owners to Birmingham's NEC - all hoping to get their paws on top prizes.

Reporter, Daniel Walton, says he ‘felt a wave of competitiveness’ as he entered hall five of the NEC, the main hall for the four day event. But he was ‘surprised’ by the immense sense of community. He said: “I could see dog owners sharing tips while their furry companions socialised together. Families groomed their dogs and prepared for their slots - everyone was just talking and it was clear that they were all having fun. “

It was the first visit to Crufts for the Express & Star reporter, who took his Staffordshire B

The first day of the event featured agility and heelwork events, as well as junior competition and fly-ball.

Mabel Hughes, who visited the show with sister Clara, said: "It's really great here. We own dogs, but I think they're a bit too boyish to go on stage.

"It's great to see everyone interacting, it's really nice, even though it's a competition everyone is just getting along and helping each other out. It's really friendly."

While the goal of the competition may be to win prizes and podium places, you could tell that the real goal of attending was to share knowledge and take part in the community.

How long is Crufts on for?

Crufts will continue until Sunday, with contestants and their pups taking to the show ring to try their paw at getting the top spot.

Day 2 is utility and toy breeds, day 3 is gundogs and day 4 is working and pastoral. The full running order can be found here.

For more information on winners of the event, visit the Crufts website.

Watch our video above (click to play).