Škoda has been announced as the Official Automotive Partner of Crufts – the UK’s biggest and most prestigious dog event. Organised by The Kennel Club and held at the NEC in Birmingham, the show celebrates every aspect of dog ownership. The 2023 event is expected to be the biggest to date and runs from 9-12 March.

While 2023 marks the first official partnership between Škoda and Crufts, the brand has enjoyed a very close relationship with dogs and their owners for many years. Škoda has continually developed a wide range of safety and comfort accessories which allow owners transport their furry friends securely and comfortably at all times. The brand has also forged strong links with the emergency services providing bespoke Škoda models such as the Kodiaq and Karoq, which all provide the paw-fect environment for hard working dogs.

Škoda will be at Crufts with its charity partner, Dogs for Good. Škoda has been working with the charitable organisation since 2022, to help raise awareness of the amazing cause, which brings people and dogs together to help make life possible for people with a range of disabilities. Dogs for Good staff are always out and about, whether it’s driving dogs in training to and from their Temporary Boarders, visiting and supporting Puppy Socialisers or taking Community Dogs to the different organisations they work with. The two Škoda Kamiq compact SUVs that starred in the brand’s recent TV advert, were donated to the organisation to support their invaluable work. 

Pet safety has driven Škoda to develop one of the biggest ranges of bespoke dog safety accessories in the industry. According to the Highway Code, dogs need to be suitably secured so they avoid distracting the driver and to prevent injury in the case of a sudden stop.

A study carried out by Škoda last year revealed the importance of using correctly designed and fitted restraints. The survey, commissioned by Škoda, found that 12% of owners let their dogs sit on their lap or even on the dash (9%) while driving, while some let their dogs move freely around the car. This figure was even more pronounced among younger drivers (18-24 years old), with over a quarter (27%) letting their dog sit on their lap while driving.

To make finding the right dog accessory easier, the brand has created a special Pet Pack that comprises a dog guard, rear bumper protector and a double-sided boot mat or rubber boot liner. The pack is available for all Škoda models (except Scala) and is priced from £230 inc VAT (excluding fitting). Dog owners can also choose from a range of harnesses that can be easily attached their vehicles’ existing rear seat belts.

As part of the official partnership with Crufts, Škoda will have a stand in the main exhibition hall featuring a special podium where visitors can take selfies of themselves with their dogs. The stand will also feature the Kamiq from the brand’s acclaimed television advert which saw the compact SUV tackle a dog show agility course. 

Škoda’s commitment to dog safety cars has also been widely recognised by the motoring media. Last year, an Auto Express judging panel named the Octavia Estate as the Best Car for Dogs, while Car Magazine also awarded Škoda top marks, naming the Superb Estate as its number one choice for owners with dogs. Summing up the Superb’s canine appeal, Car magazine’s experts said: “A class-leading 660-litre boot is the clincher here – even a Great Dane can’t complain – and its reversible load floor keeps one side clean for non-dog duties.” The Superb took another top spot in Carwow’s review of dog-friendly cars, with the reviewers concluding: “The Superb’s 660-litre boot means even the biggest dogs shouldn’t be left wanting for space, and the large opening and low load lip makes jumping in and out easier.”