The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: A Celebration of Canine Excellence in Its 150th Year
A Historic Milestone Returns to the Big Apple
The prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has made its triumphant return to New York City, marking a momentous occasion as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. This legendary event, which has become synonymous with canine excellence and breeding standards, brings together an impressive gathering of more than 3,000 champion dogs from every corner of the globe. These magnificent animals, representing the pinnacle of their respective breeds, have all converged on the city with one shared dream—to claim the highly coveted title of “best in show.” As the competition reaches its exciting conclusion on Tuesday night, anticipation builds among dog lovers, breeders, and spectators alike who eagerly await to see which extraordinary canine will emerge victorious and etch their name in the annals of Westminster history. The event represents not just a competition, but a celebration of the special bond between humans and dogs, showcasing the dedication, training, and love that goes into preparing these remarkable animals for their moment in the spotlight.
Catching All the Action: How and Where to Watch
For nearly eight decades—since 1948 to be precise—the Westminster dog show has been bringing the excitement of canine competition into living rooms across America through television broadcasts. This year’s historic 150th show continues that proud tradition, offering fans multiple ways to witness these beautiful dogs strut their stuff and show off their breed-specific qualities. The competition, taking place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, will be broadcast across the FOX family of networks, including FOX, FS1, and FS2, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this prestigious event. For those planning to tune in to the grand finale, the final group judging show will air live on Tuesday night, running from 7:30 p.m. through 11 p.m. Eastern Time. Modern technology has also made it easier than ever for dog enthusiasts to follow the competition, with streaming options available through FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App, allowing viewers to watch from virtually anywhere, whether they’re at home on their couch or on the go with their mobile devices. This multi-platform approach ensures that no fan has to miss a moment of the action as these extraordinary dogs compete for glory.
What Makes This Year’s Show Special
The sesquicentennial celebration of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show brings with it several exciting developments that set this year’s event apart from previous competitions. The most immediately noticeable difference is the sheer scale of participation—this year’s show boasts over 500 more canine competitors than last year’s event, creating an even more impressive and diverse field of contenders. The variety of breeds represented reads like a who’s who of canine favorites, encompassing everything from the ever-popular golden retrievers and French bulldogs to Labrador retrievers, Rhodesian ridgebacks, and Australian shepherds. The competition also features smaller breeds that pack plenty of personality, including charming Pomeranians, elegant cavalier King Charles spaniels, athletic vizslas, and adorable pugs. Each of these breeds brings its own unique characteristics, standards, and appeal to the show ring, making for fascinating viewing as judges evaluate them against their breed standards.
Perhaps most exciting for breed enthusiasts is the introduction of a newcomer to the Westminster stage—the Danish-Swedish farmdog. This delightful breed, which the Westminster Kennel Club affectionately describes as a “little big dog,” will be making its debut appearance at this year’s competition. This charming breed, historically used on farms in Denmark and Sweden for various tasks including ratting and watchdog duties, now has its chance to shine on one of the world’s most prestigious dog show stages. The inclusion of new breeds keeps the competition fresh and exciting while also helping to raise awareness about lesser-known breeds that make wonderful companions. As the competition draws to a close on Tuesday night, one of these magnificent animals will be crowned the 2026 Best in Show winner, joining an elite group of dogs that have achieved this remarkable honor.
Remembering Last Year’s Champion
To understand the significance of what’s at stake, it’s worth looking back at last year’s memorable winner. In 2025, a majestic black giant schnauzer named Monty captured hearts and claimed the top prize, emerging victorious from a field of seven talented finalists who represented the best of their respective breed groups. Monty, who was five years old when he achieved this remarkable feat, made history as the first giant schnauzer ever to claim the Best in Show title at Westminster—a testament to both his exceptional qualities and the dedication of those who prepared him for competition. His victory was particularly meaningful for fans of working dogs and demonstrated that any breed, given the right combination of conformation, temperament, and presentation, can reach the pinnacle of success at this prestigious event.
Behind Monty’s success was owner and handler Katie Bernardin, who shared some fascinating insights into the champion’s preparation regimen during an appearance on “Good Morning America.” The winning formula, it turns out, involved a sophisticated combination of modern veterinary care and simple pleasures. Monty’s training program included cutting-edge treatments like cold laser therapy, which helps with muscle recovery and overall well-being, along with sessions on a water treadmill—an excellent low-impact exercise that builds strength and endurance while being gentle on joints. But it wasn’t all high-tech training methods; Bernardin revealed that Monty also enjoyed the occasional carne asada treats, proving that even champion show dogs appreciate good food as a reward for their hard work. This combination of professional care, proper conditioning, and genuine affection illustrates the holistic approach that top handlers take to prepare their dogs for competition at the highest levels.
The Road to Best in Show
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show operates on a structured system that makes the competition both fair and exciting to watch. Dogs first compete within their specific breeds, with judges evaluating each animal against the official breed standard—a detailed description of the ideal physical and temperamental characteristics for that particular breed. Winners from each breed then advance to group competition, where they compete against other breeds within their designated group. The American Kennel Club recognizes seven groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. Each group has its own judging session, where one dog is selected as the group winner based on how well it represents the ideal qualities of its breed and group. These seven group winners then advance to the final Best in Show competition, creating a diverse and exciting finale where completely different types of dogs compete for the ultimate prize.
The anticipation surrounding who will take home this year’s top honor creates an electric atmosphere both in the venue and among viewers watching from home. Will it be a crowd-pleasing golden retriever with its friendly demeanor and beautiful coat? Could a French bulldog charm the judges with its distinctive appearance and personality? Might an elegant sighthound like a borzoi take the prize, or will a hardworking herding breed prove its worth? The beauty of Westminster is that any dog that best exemplifies its breed standard on that particular night can win, regardless of size, popularity, or previous show records. This unpredictability, combined with the obvious love and dedication displayed by handlers and owners, makes the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show a celebration of dogs in all their wonderful variety. For those eager to meet the 2026 champion, “Good Morning America” will feature the newly crowned Best in Show winner live on Wednesday morning, offering viewers a chance to learn more about the dog and the team behind this extraordinary achievement. As the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show draws to a close, it continues a proud tradition of celebrating the very best that the canine world has to offer.
