Crufts 2022 is back and here are the new faces to look out for this year

Crufts, the world's biggest celebration of dogs, is back at the NEC in Birmingham from March 10 to 13, welcoming over 20,000 dogs of all shapes and sizes under one roof.

Competitors and their canines are more excited than ever before, after the event returns for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year will also see a record-breaking 16 hours of the Crufts TV show broadcast for dog-lovers across the UK on Channel 4 and More4.

Celebrations officially kicked off at the launch on March 8, with Paralympics presenter, Sophie Morgan, announced as the new face of Crufts.

Speaking at the launch, Sophie said: "I'm so happy Crufts is back! Every dog has its day at this amazing event and these three breeds making history are among them."

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Alongside Sophie were three breeds making history at this year's show: the historic Harrier, the versatile European newcomer, the smooth-faced Pyrenean Sheepdog and the cute Hungarian Pumi.

Historic Harriers are making a comeback

There are 19 Harriers competing at Crufts 2022 for the first time in over 120 years.

2021 was a revival year for the breed, when The Kennel Club registered 38 Harrier puppies after they all but disappeared in the UK in the 1920s.

The Harrier is an ancient, medium-sized, British scent hound breed that could steal the Best in Show crown this year.

European newcomer debuts

The smooth-faced Pyrenean Sheepdog is competing for the Best in Show title at Crufts for the first time ever this year, after being recognised as the 222nd breed by The Kennel Club last year.

The Pyrenean Sheepdog is a small breed of herding dog from the Pyrenees region of France.

There are just two competing in Crufts so you'll have to keep an eye out on your televisions.

A class of its own

The Hungarian Pumi is a newcomer to the UK, recognised by The Kennel Club in 2015 and first seen at Crufts in 2016.

This year, new for Crufts 2022, the 31 Hungarian Pumis competing will have their own breed classes for the first time and will be vying for the Best in Show title.

The Pumi was developed in the late 17th century by crossing herding dogs with terriers and German Spitz.

More than just a dog show, Crufts celebrates the many diverse roles that dogs play in our lives and sees competitions such as The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award, the Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year competition and Obreedience.

The event culminates with the announcement of the public vote for The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award and then the Best in Show finale on Sunday evening.

Find more information on the event, visit the Crufts website.

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