New dogs, new tricks: lockdown puppy boom changes face of Crufts

Famous dog show expects record UK interest and to welcome host of new owners

Almost two years after Covid triggered a puppy boom, Crufts is expecting a host of newcomers as new dog owners who honed their skills during lockdown take to the ring this week.

There are new people, who got a dog during lockdown, who have started to show their dogs. Some have qualified for Crufts for the first time ever, which is obviously really exciting," said Bill Lambert, the head of health and welfare at Crufts.