Crufts 2020 news - live: Follow all the action from the annual dog show

This event marks the competition's 129th year

Crufts: Helen Dennis and Comebyanaway Pure Love perform Mary Poppins-theme routine

Crufts – the eccentric, fur-filled extravaganza – is back, returning for its 129th anniversary at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre.

The four-day dog show will see a wide variety of canine competitors battle it out to win an array of accolades, the most coveted award being the Best in Show prize.

Follow The Independent‘s live blog below for all the latest news on the event.

For all the latest news on Crufts, click here.

Key Points

• Annual dog show, which is in its 129th year, was named after its founder, Charles Cruft
• Kennel Club confirmed competition will still go ahead as planned amid coronavirus fears
• It's been reported that a couple of sponsors are not attending because of the coronavirus outbreak

[5 March 2020 08:10 · sabrina.barr]

Welcome to The Independent's live blog for Crufts! We will be following all the action from Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre as dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds compete to win the show's most coveted prizes.

[5 March 2020 08:11 · sabrina.barr]

Crufts is steeped in history, this being its 129th year.

The show was founded by dog biscuit manufacturer Charles Cruft, who initially created it as an event exclusive to terriers.

Find out more about the history of Crufts here.

[5 March 2020 08:15 · sabrina.barr]

While the show is hugely popular among canine fanatics, it has been criticised in the past.

In 2018, animal rights protesters disrupted the end of the event when Tease, a whippet, was being awarded the Best in Show prize.

The protest was organised by Peta, who said the demonstrators had "highlighted the suffering of dogs bred by humans to have grossly exaggerated features".

[5 March 2020 08:15 · sabrina.barr]

RSPCA dog welfare expert Lisa Hens told The Independent that the organisation has "long held concerns" over the beauty pageant aspect of Crufts, adding that the Kennel Club and some breed clubs have "now thankfully committed to taking some steps to help improve the welfare of these dogs".

[5 March 2020 08:16 · sabrina.barr]

Some may have thought the recent coronavirus outbreak would have prevented Crufts from going ahead.

However, the Kennel Club recently confirmed that the show will take place as planned, adding that this is "an evolving situation".

[5 March 2020 08:50 · sabrina.barr]

Crufts isn't only about the competitors, as the event is also attended by a variety of canine spectators.

The West Midlands Police has revealed the force will be at the event with its police dogs, who – in all honesty – look far more cute than they do ferocious.

[5 March 2020 09:30 · sabrina.barr]

Last year, rescue dog Olly stole the show two years after becoming an online sensation.

In 2017, the Jack Russell terrier became an internet phenomenon after delivering a performance that saw him collide face-first with the floor while trying to jump over a hurdle and uncontrollably speed around the ring.

He made his triumphant return in 2019, spurring the commentator to say: "Oh dear, it's Olly."

[5 March 2020 09:46 · sabrina.barr]

The West Midlands Police Dog section shared a video on Twitter featuring a couple of its pups in attendance at Crufts. 

[5 March 2020 10:00 · sabrina.barr]

Several stalls have been set up at the exhibition centre in Birmingham so that dog owners can peruse food items, toys and pet accessories at their leisure.

[5 March 2020 10:15 · sabrina.barr]

This year marks the first time the happenings of Crufts are being shown live on Twitter.