Crufts 2026: Prison service dogs set to make history at Crufts in Birmingham this year - here's how

The world’s most famous dogs show will return next month, and HMPPS will showcase the remarkable canines who help keep Britain's prisons safe every single day.

From 5 to 8 March at Birmingham's NEC, visitors to the world's most prestigious dog show will have the chance to meet the dedicated handlers and their canine partners, watch live demonstrations, and discover how they too could start a career as a prison officer - with the opportunity to progress into specialist roles like dog handling.

The stand will feature live displays, giving the public a rare glimpse into the vital work of general-purpose patrol dogs and drug detection dogs. Staff will also be on hand to chat and answer questions about the vital role they play in public protection.

The HMPPS Dog Section looks after approximately 800 dogs working across prisons in England and Wales. General purpose dogs provide patrol support and can help locate missing persons, while specialist detection dogs are trained to find drugs, psychoactive substances, and even electronic devices.

What’s been said?

Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, Lord Timpson said: "I am incredibly proud to see our HMPPS Dog Section take their well-deserved place at Crufts for the very first time. Our dogs and their handlers do extraordinary work, day in and day out, keeping our prisons safe and preventing contraband from fuelling crime behind bars.

"Becoming a dog handler is one of many extraordinary career paths open to our prison officers. If you're looking for a role where no two days are the same, where you can make a real difference, and where progression could one day see you working alongside a four-legged colleague, I'd encourage you to visit our stand and find out more about joining us.”

Dog handlers from across the country will be taking part in the event including Aimee Lawlor who spent 16 years as an operational dog handler in prisons, before becoming a regional leader, responsible for training other handlers and their dogs.

Aimee ensures exceptionally high welfare standards are met and maintained, and she will be among those representing the HMPPS team at Crufts. Aimee says:

"I started as a prison officer and worked on the wings for several years before applying to join the Dog Section. That grounding was invaluable – you really get to understand the prison environment and why our work matters. The bond that handlers have with their dogs is incredible.

“They know our moods, and we know theirs. The camaraderie in the Dog Section is brilliant too – we're a tight-knit bunch who genuinely love what we do. When people think of prison work, they probably don't imagine someone like me spending my days with a cocker spaniel called Lilly, but here we are – and I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Lilly is an active-search dog, which means she's trained to sniff out drugs. When she finds something hidden inside a hollowed-out book or taped behind a radiator, she's not just doing a trick – she's protecting people.

Dave Coates, who works at HMP Woodhill with a HMPPS dog named Storm, will also be joining the team at Crufts. He added: "I spent 17 years as a prison officer before moving into dog handling. Those years gave me the skills and experience I needed – understanding how prisons work, building relationships with colleagues and learning to stay calm under pressure.

“When the opportunity came up to join the Dog Section, I jumped at it. Best decision I ever made.”

"Storm is a general purpose dog – she's trained for patrol work, searching buildings, and supporting staff in challenging situations. She's a small but very brave girl and off-duty ,she's the biggest softie you'll ever meet.

"We're hoping at Crufts we will show people what an amazing career the prison service offers. You start as a prison officer, and from there, the opportunities are huge – dog handling is just one of them. You need a love of dogs, a strong work ethic, and a sense of humour.”

HMPPS is actively recruiting prison officers across England and Wales, with dog handling one of several specialist progression routes available to serving officers. Full training is provided at every station.

Visitors to the HMPPS stand at Crufts 2026 can watch live demonstrations, speak to serving handlers, and pick up information about starting a career as a prison officer.