Calling all London crossbreeds to compete for the chance to qualify for Crufts 2023

Scruffts, the competition that gives crossbreed dogs the opportunity to compete in the main arena at Crufts, is continuing the search to find the nation’s top dog.

The Kennel Club invites all crossbreeds and mixed breed dogs to take part in the Scruffts competition, exclusively supported by pet food makers James Wellbeloved, where all shapes, sizes and ages of dog are welcome (as long as they are over six months).

The final heat will take place at ExCeL London as part of The Kennel Club’s Discover Dogs event on Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 October. Entering a dog into Scruffts costs £2 per class, not including entry to the overall show. Competitors must enter in advance by booking their place.

Each dog entered in the competition will have a few minutes to wow the judges in one or more of the four competition categories: Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch and the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme class, taking place on Saturday, with Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog and Golden Oldie,on Sunday. Find out more about entry criteria for each class.

When choosing the winner and runners-up for each class, the judge ensures that the dog has the following qualities:
  • Good character
  • Good health
  • Good personality
  • Good temperament with people and other dogs
The 2022 final at Crufts in March saw Questa, a Golden Retriever/Labrador, and owner, Hazel French from Shropshire crowned winners, earning Questa the title of Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year. Questa was Hazel's assistance dog and together, they took part in Kennel Club Rally as well as Heelwork to Music. In their hometown Highley, Questa also helped to pick up rubbish from the village, and together the pair raised money for the charity Canine Partners.

The four heat winners will receive delicious goodies from James Wellbeloved, the sponsor of Scruffts and ultimately, the four category finalists at next year’s Scruffts Grand Final will each win a year’s supply of James Wellbeloved food for their dog.

Sonja Hartomo, European Brand Manager for James Wellbeloved, said: “Scruffts is a fantastic family competition that is a real celebration of the nation’s family crossbreed dogs. Every year we are so impressed by the inspirational dogs that we meet, as well as the lovely bond they share with their owners and we’re looking forward to meeting more amazing dogs this year.

“James Wellbeloved are very proud to exclusively support Scruffts and we can’t wait to see what the crossbreed dogs at Discover Dogs have to offer.”
Discover Dogs returns to ExCeL London on 15 and 16 October and gives visitors the opportunity to meet and greet hundreds of dogs, all gathering under one ‘woof’. Tickets are now on sale and cost £18 or £15 for concessions, with under 8s going free. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Discover Dogs website.

Find out more about the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year competition.