The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: A Beloved Tradition Returns to Madison Square Garden

The Westminster Kennel Club dog show, one of the most prestigious canine events in the United States, has made its highly anticipated return to New York’s Madison Square Garden for its 149th year. After a hiatus of several years due to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent logistical challenges, the event is back at the iconic venue, much to the delight of dog enthusiasts and organizers alike. Donald Sturz, the club’s president, encapsulated the excitement by saying, “If you love dogs and you want to see the very best dogs from all around the world competing for the top prize of best in show at Westminster, just be there.” For those unable to attend in person, Fox Sports and Westminster’s official platforms are offering extensive coverage, including live broadcasts and streaming options, ensuring no one misses out on the action. The competition spans three days, with the coveted Best in Show award being announced on Tuesday night around 11 p.m. Eastern Time.

A Star-Studded Lineup: Favorites, Contenders, and Dark Horses

This year’s lineup is nothing short of impressive, featuring some of the world’s most accomplished dogs. Might Mercedes, a German shepherd who secured the runner-up spot last year, could be a strong contender for the top prize. Meanwhile, Monty, a giant schnauzer and two-time Westminster finalist, is currently the sport’s top-ranked dog and has already claimed victory at the American Kennel Club’s major show in December. Other notable competitors include Vito, a pug who won the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day, and Comet, a shih tzu, and Louis, an Afghan hound, both of whom are 2024 Westminster semifinalists. The competition also includes a wire fox terrier, a breed with a storied history of success at Westminster, having won the Best in Show title more than any other breed. While experienced campaigners like these are expected to impress, the unpredictability of the competition always leaves room for a dark horse to emerge and steal the spotlight.

The Event: A Celebration of Canine Excellence and Diversity

The Westminster Kennel Club dog show is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of canine excellence, diversity, and the enduring bond between humans and dogs. The event kicks off on Saturday morning at the Javits Center with agility and obedience championships, as well as demonstration events, including a debut performance of flyball, a thrilling canine relay race that combines speed, agility, and teamwork. The traditional breed-by-breed judging, known as “conformation,” takes place on Monday and Tuesday. Dogs are first judged within their own breed, with winners advancing to group competitions in the evenings at Madison Square Garden. The ultimate test comes on Tuesday night, when the seven group winners compete for the Best in Show title.

This year, approximately 2,500 dogs from 201 breeds and varieties are competing, representing every U.S. state and 12 other countries. While familiar breeds like golden retrievers are well-represented, the event also showcases rarer breeds, such as the sloughi, an ancient sighthound. Notably, Dachshunds are the most represented breed this year, with 52 entries. Mixed-breed dogs are also included in the agility and obedience contests, with last year’s agility trial making history when a border collie-papillon mix named Nimble became the first mixed-breed winner in the event’s decade-long history.

The Culture of Dog Showing: Passion, Dedication, and Strategy

The world of competitive dog showing is a fascinating blend of passion, dedication, and strategy. Breeders play a critical role in identifying puppies with the potential to excel in the show ring, selecting those that best embody the breed’s ideal “standard.” These dogs are then raised, trained, and meticulously groomed to put their best foot forward. While some owners handle their own dogs, others rely on professional handlers who travel extensively to compete. The process of competing at the national level, known as “campaigning,” can be likened to a political campaign, with owners and handlers gathering intelligence on rivals and strategically planning their participation. Some even go as far as running full-page ads in dog magazines to promote their animals.

Despite the intense competition, the ultimate goal is to celebrate the beauty and uniqueness of each breed. Judges evaluate dogs based on how closely they match the breed standard, considering factors such as physical structure, movement, and temperament. While stats and rankings play a significant role, it is often said that victory goes to “the dog on the day,” the one that delivers a standout performance. Regardless of who wins, many dogs capture the hearts of the audience, leaving a lasting impression. Over the years, crowd favorites have included a Sussex spaniel that stood up on its hind legs, a Leonberger that playfully nibbled at its handler’s pocket, and a shiba inu shown by a 10-year-old girl.

A Legacy of Excellence: Past Winners and the Quest for Bragging Rights

The Westminster Kennel Club dog show has a rich history of crowning champions, with some breeds having more success than others. Wire fox terriers have claimed the Best in Show title a record 15 times, most recently in 2019. Poodles of various sizes have also done exceptionally well, with a miniature poodle named Sage winning last year. However, many popular breeds, such as French bulldogs and Labrador retrievers, have yet to take home the top prize. That said, the show has a tradition of surprises, with two of the last three winners making history as the first from their respective breeds to achieve the distinction.

While the competition is fierce, the rewards are largely symbolic. Winners receive bragging rights, ribbons, and trophies, with no cash prizes. However, the agility and obedience winners each receive a $5,000 donation to a training club or the American Kennel Club Humane Fund in their name. For many participants, the true reward is the opportunity to showcase their dogs and celebrate the unique qualities of each breed.

Tradition and Controversy: The Broader Debate Surrounding Dog Shows

Despite its popularity, the Westminster Kennel Club dog show is not without controversy. Animal rights activists often protest the event, arguing against the breeding and showing of purebred dogs. Last year, a demonstrator carrying a sign reading “boycott breeders” attempted to disrupt the final round before being intercepted and arrested. The Westminster Kennel Club defends its mission, emphasizing its commitment to responsible dog ownership and the preservation of breed traits. While the debate continues, the show remains a beloved tradition for many, honoring the deep bond between humans and dogs and celebrating the incredible diversity of the canine world.