As Archie went to Crufts

A big adventure for a little Beagle | Hound Day Crufts 2026

So, my favourite day at Crufts is Terrier & Hound Day, or how I call it “The Beagle Day”. And it was always my dream to take my big dog Porthos with me, which sadly never happened. But this year, Archie and myself were lucky enough to get invited to go together. So lets beagle :)

We got up early for a morning walk and then headed to the train station to get to the NEC in Birmingham. I never took a dog, so I didn’t know how the logistics worked, and funny enough it was easier to get in to Crufts as to get out there. I will explain later. After arriving at the train station, we had to go downstairs and walk at the outside to get in to Crufts, though one of the dog entrances. Let the fun begin.

But we made it and Archie could finally sniff the green carpet and sit in the green box. Bucket List tick (for me).

Time for us to explore. For a Beagle, Crufts is paradise. Not because of the show (dogs don’t care about winning rosettes) … what they do care about are the TREATS. And at Crufts, it is all about Treats. First up, we got a Beagle drawing from Elly Sim (https://www.ellysiumillustration.co.uk/), and how cute is this. We met the guys from Essential Food (https://essentialfoodsgb.co.uk/) and their treats were so good. Archie approved and gave them 5 paws up. Next up we stopped at Whimzees, which have great dog chews, some are even crocodile shaped. Great to get those teeth clean. Not to forget, Archies favourite shop, Bene Bones - choose wisely which bones you want. Those chew bones were recommended to us and OMG Archie and LuLu love them. They last and are great for puppy and adult dogs. Lots of different shapes and tastes, from fish to stick shape, from bacon to peanut smell … something for every dog. We also got treats and shampoo from Hownd. They do have a special Stinky Dog Shampoo, for beagles it is essential. And we met the lovely guys from Ruffingtons, which making the most beautiful und luxurious do treats. I have added everyones Instagram page, so make sure to check them out.

Elly Sium https://www.instagram.com/ellysiumillustration/

Essential Foods https://www.instagram.com/essentialfoodsofficial/

Whimzees Dog Treats https://www.instagram.com/whimzees_dog_treats/

Bene Bone https://www.instagram.com/mybenebone/

Hownd https://www.instagram.com/dogslovehownd/

Ruffiungtons https://www.instagram.com/ruffingtonsuk/

But, I am not just here for fun and treats, I was also here to network and take photos. So here are some non Beagle and non Treat photos from Crufts Day 2.

Crufts’ Terrier and Hound events showcase some of the UK’s most spirited, vocal and characterful breeds. These classes celebrate working terriers and scent-hunting hounds — dogs bred for tenacity, agility and a strong bond with their handlers. Terrier and hound dogs are two distinct types (or groups) of breeds originally developed for different working roles. Terriers are bred to hunt and control rats, mice, foxes, badgers—and to work in or below ground. Many terriers were developed in Britain and Ireland, they are bold, feisty, independent and confident dogs, often very stubborn but also very loyal and affectionate. Most common Terrier breeds are Jack Russells, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier and Airedale Terrier.

Hound dogs on the other hand are bred primarily for hunting by scent or sight. Hounds were and are used to track, chase, and sometimes capture game. There are two types of Hounds - Scent Hounds, which rely on a sense of smell to follow trails slowly and persistently e.g. Bloodhound, Beagle, Basset Hound and Sighthounds, which rely on sight and speed to spot and overtake prey e.g., Greyhound, Whippet, Saluki. Hounds are often independent, stubborn and driven by their hunting instincts and are known for baying, howling, or enthusiastic barking - you can’t see the Beagle, but you can hear him.

And the winner is … Archie the Beagle

So back to Archie’s Adventure at Crufts. We watched the Beagles strutting their paws and tails in the ring, met some cool dogs on the way and rubbed noses, we stopped at Pooch and Mutt (https://www.instagram.com/poochandmutt/) for some freebies, stopped at Trixies for toys (great german company).

Our best friends from Dog only Nose (https://dogonlynose.org/). They do have the best treats, which are beagle proven and they have great toys, They are doing lots of shows all over the country, so make sure to stop by when you see them and give their Beagle a big cuddle. ‍https://www.instagram.com/dogonlynoseuk/

Some more photos of Archie’s Adventure. From balls and big yellow dogs, to nosing Beagles and big dogs, so going crazy at shopping.

People do ask me if I cover the judging at Crufts or took any photos of the groups and my answer is always no. First of all, I am not interested in the judging, every dog is a winner in my eyes and they are all amazing. Second … the green carpet … it is terrible. Third, I rather concentrate on the moments which make Crufts special for me, the moments owners cuddle up with their dogs and give them hugs, dogs snoozing in their beds, dogs with bibs, proud owners who celebrate their dogs. Thats why you see photos of cute dogs on my page, but not dogs on the green carpet.

So, this was mine and Archie’s Day at Crufts. We had such fun meeting everyone and Archie LOVED all the treats and attention. He walked about 4miles and possibly ate bags of treats … what a day. But as I mentioned earlier, it was easier to get in to Crufts as to leave … so we had to try to find the dog exit. For some reason the NEC is holding the biggest dog show in the world, yet they don’t allow dogs inside the atrium. Their explanation … dogs may wee … Yes they might, but it will get cleaned up … but maybe looking at the state of the human toilets at the NEC, which are dirty … maybe they dont. What a weird statement. So we had to walk all the way from Hall 5 to Hall 1 and back to Hall 3 to get to the train station. NEC do better and let dogs in the atrium. But we made it and Archie slept all the way home in the train, where he even made more friends. Would I take my dog again as invited visitor? I am not sure, it is a busy show and there is lost going on. Lost of people, there are baby buggies, which do not look what is in front of them … It was an adventure, but maybe only once.

A big Awooof from Bridget and The Beagles 

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Bridget Davey is a Professional Dog Photographer, working around Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and London, capturing the essence of your dog with all their cuteness and silliness.