The Royal Kennel Club has announced that an incredible 252 dogs will be competing in the Imported Breeds Register classes at Crufts 2026 over the four days. Experienced Utility and Working group and Best In Show judge, Mark James, has the honour of judging the AV Imported Register classes.
For the first time, the White Swiss Shepherd Dog has drawn the largest number of dogs with 34 set to compete in the breed rings. For the past few years, Russian Toys have topped the Imported Register table but now they have been moved off the Imported Register - there is an incredible 60 Russian Toys entered in their own breed classes.
There are also three new breeds competing in the Imported Registered classes for the first time at Crufts: the Pyrenean Mastiff (4), Hungarian Mudi (13) and Icelandic Sheepdog (10).
The number of dogs in each breed is as follows:
Working
Entlebucher Mountain Dog - 12
Pyrenean Mastiff - 4
Pastoral
Bergamasco - 7
Hungarian Mudi - 13
Icelandic Sheepdog - 10
Picardy Sheepdog - 5
Pyrenean Sheepdog (Smooth Faced) - 2
Swedish Lapphund - 1
White Swiss Shepherd Dog - 34
Hound
Azawakh - 7
Basset Bleu De Gascogne - 14
Black and Tan Coonhound - 15
Griffon Fauve De Bretagne - 9
Utility
Korean Jindo - 17
Xoloitzcuintle (Mex Hairless) Int - 4
Xoloitzcuintle (Mex Hairless) Min - 4
Xoloitzcuintle (Mex Hairless) Std - 20
Gundog
Barbet - 30
Braque D'Auvergne - 10
Korthals Griffon - 21
Portuguese Pointer - 6
Slovakian Rough Haired Pointer - 7
Since 2018, the dog declared Best Any Variety Imported Breeds Register has been eligible to compete in its relevant group competition at shows including Crufts, following a change to Royal Kennel Club regulations.
Tom Mather, Crufts Chairman, said: “It’s fantastic to see such strong participation in the Imported Register classes this year, reflecting the growing diversity of breeds taking part. The top dogs from each group will go on to compete in the main arena each evening, giving visitors a chance to discover and appreciate some of the less familiar breeds showcased on the iconic green carpet.”
For daily and Best in Show tickets, visit the Crufts website.
For details of TV coverage and live streaming from the show visit the how to watch Crufts page.