NEW YORK — The iconic Westminster Kennel Club dog show is celebrating its 149th edition this year, with a joyous return to Madison Square Garden in New York City, marking its first appearance there since early 2020.
This prestigious event, recognized as one of the most significant dog shows in the United States, had previously relocated to locations outside of Manhattan due to the coronavirus pandemic and other factors. Nonetheless, the organizers expressed a strong desire to return to what they fondly refer to as the “World’s Most Famous Arena.”
“If you adore dogs and wish to witness the finest canines from across the globe competing for the coveted title of best in show at Westminster, make sure to attend,” stated Donald Sturz, president of the club. For those unable to attend in person, Fox Sports is broadcasting various segments of the event on FS1 and FS2, with streaming options available on the network’s platform. Meanwhile, Westminster is also offering some streaming services. The competition is set to take place over the course of Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, culminating with the best in show award announcement around 11 p.m. on Tuesday for viewers on the East Coast.
Could Mercedes, last year’s runner-up German shepherd, secure the top position this year? Or might Monty, a giant schnauzer, finally claim the crown? Monty has been a finalist for the past two years, won the prestigious American Kennel Club’s major show in December, and currently holds the title of the sport’s top-ranked dog. Will the honor go to another prominent contender, or could an unexpected candidate rise to the occasion?
The Westminster event kicks off Saturday morning at the Javits Center, featuring agility and obedience championship contests as well as several demonstration activities, including an exciting debut of flyball—a type of relay race for dogs that involves navigating jumps and retrieving a ball.
The traditional breed-based judging, often referred to as “conformation,” will take place on Monday and Tuesday. Initial round evaluations, where dogs are assessed against others of their breed, will occur throughout the day at the Javits Center. The evening sessions at Madison Square Garden will host the semifinals, where each breed winner competes against other winners in its respective group of breeds. Ultimately, the top seven winners will vie for best in show on Tuesday evening.
Judges aim to identify the dog that best fits the breed’s ideal or “standard” at every stage of the competition.
This year, approximately 2,500 dogs representing 201 breeds and varieties are entered to compete, hailing from every state in the U.S. and 12 other nations. The lineup includes well-known breeds like golden retrievers alongside rare ones such as sloughis. However, there are currently no “doodles,” as these poodle mixes are not recognized as purebreds according to the American Kennel Club, which oversees Westminster and many other dog shows across the country. Dachshunds emerge as the most numerous breed at the event, with 52 entries.
In addition to the main competition, hundreds of other dogs, including mixed breeds, participate in the agility and obedience events. Last year, a mixed-breed agility trial winner, Nimble, a border collie-papillion cross, made history as the first of its kind to win a decade-old title.
Obtaining a spot in the show begins with breeders selecting puppies they believe possess the right physical attributes and temperament for competition. These chosen pups undergo extensive training and grooming to appear their best in the show ring. “Beginner puppies” can enter AKC competitions starting at four months of age.
Some owners prefer to showcase their own dogs, attending events where possible. Others engage professional handlers who frequently travel around the country to compete, often presenting multiple dogs at various shows. This pursuit for national ranking involves “campaigning,” where owners and handlers strategically research rivals’ intentions, judge preferences, and might even place advertisements in dog magazines promoting their show dogs.
Among the competitive contestants this year, Monty and Mercedes stand out alongside Vito, a pug champion from the National Dog Show aired on Thanksgiving. Other notable contenders include Comet the shih tzu and Louis the Afghan hound, alongside a highly ranked otterhound representing one of America’s rarer breeds. The wire fox terrier is also notable, holding the record for the most wins in Westminster history.
While all competing dogs are champions under the sport’s ranking system, spectators often emphasize that success ultimately depends on “the dog on the day,” referring to the canine that delivers an exceptional performance during the event. No matter the ultimate winner, some dogs have won the audience’s affection over the years with their endearing antics, such as a Sussex spaniel who sat up on its hind legs for attention or a Leonberger that eagerly sought treats from its handler in the ring.
Historically, wire fox terriers have posted the most victories at the show, claiming the top prize 15 times, with the last win occurring in 2019. Poodles have secured 11 wins overall, with a miniature poodle named Sage emerging victorious last year. Nevertheless, several popular breeds, including the French bulldog and Labrador retriever, have yet to achieve a win at Westminster. Interestingly, two of the last three victors were notable firsts for their breeds: the petit basset griffon Vendéen and the bloodhound.
Winners of the Westminster show gain prestige, bragging rights, ribbons, and trophies, though no cash rewards are offered. Both agility and obedience event winners receive the opportunity to direct a $5,000 donation from Westminster to a dog training club of their choice or the American Kennel Club Humane Fund.
While the event is undeniably prestigious, it has also attracted protests from animal rights activists. Last year’s competition saw an individual attempting to disrupt the final round with a sign reading “boycott breeders,” but the protester was quickly escorted away. The Westminster Kennel Club emphasizes its dedication to responsible dog ownership and preserving breeds with distinct traits while celebrating the contributions of all canine companions.
