Crufts 2025: A Diary from Charlie, Head of Ops at Pets4Homes

Hello breeders,

I’m back from my very first time at Crufts: four days of pure dog-loving mayhem! As the world’s biggest dog show, it’s a spectacle like no other, bringing together over 150,000 visitors, 20,000 competing dogs, and hundreds of businesses showcasing the latest in canine care, training, and breeding.

For those of you who weren’t able to make it, here’s a peek into what I saw, heard, and learned—plus some takeaways that we learned from you as breeders!

Breeders at Crufts

Unsurprisingly, the breeders at Crufts are some of the most dedicated pedigree enthusiasts in the UK. It was great to see so many dog lovers (or potential buyers) in the Discover Dogs section, where they could meet over 200 pedigree breeds, chat with breed clubs and breeders, and learn more about responsible ownership.

Attending the Kennel Club Breeders’ Competition final at Crufts 2025 was a fantastic experience, with 40 breeders showcasing their exceptional teams. A huge congratulations to Rachel Salter (Irisaddition Kennels), who took home the prestigious title of the UK's best dog breeder with her team of Bearded Collies!

What I learned about Pets4Homes from speaking to you

Many of you have already shared valuable feedback on how we can improve Pets4Homes, and Crufts was another great opportunity to hear directly from breeders. Here’s what stood out:

✔ Pet Payments – Those using it love the review feature, but some would like more flexibility, such as being able to use the free boost on a future litter if their current one is already sold.

✔ Waiting Lists – Others said they would value a waitlist to match their soon-to-be-born puppies with the right homes and ensure there’s interest in advance.

✔ Breeder Profiles – Many would love more space to showcase their experience, qualifications, and socialisation efforts. A way to publicly display licensing details—including a 5-star rating and official documents—was also a popular request.

✔ Vetting Buyers – A recurring concern was safety, with some breeders feeling uneasy about inviting strangers into their homes. Some even shared stories of puppy theft. Finding ways to screen buyers before sharing personal details would be a huge reassurance.

I will share these points with our product team for further discussion. Thanks a lot for taking the time to give your feedback!

Crufts is a fantastic reminder of how passionate and knowledgeable UK breeders are and how much they care about the dogs they bring into the world. It was brilliant to hear your thoughts firsthand and rest assured, we’ll take them on board as we continue improving Pets4Homes.

Until next time,

Charlie

Head of Operations, Pets4Homes