NEW YORK (AP) — The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is back for its 149th year and making its long-awaited return to Madison Square Garden for the first time since early 2020.
The United States’ most prestigious canine event had been relocated outside Manhattan in recent years due to the pandemic and other factors. However, organizers were eager to return to what they call the “World’s Most Famous Arena.”
“If you love dogs and want to see the very best from around the world compete for the top prize of Best in Show, this is the place to be,” said Westminster Kennel Club President Donald Sturz. For those unable to attend in person, Fox Sports will broadcast various segments on FS1 and FS2, with additional streaming available on the network’s website and app. Westminster will also provide select coverage on its own platforms.
The competition spans Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, culminating in the Best in Show award on Tuesday night around 11 p.m. (Eastern Time).
Who Are the Top Contenders?
Could Mercedes, the German shepherd, last year’s Westminster runner-up, claim the top spot this time? Or will Monty, the giant schnauzer, finally take the crown after being a finalist the last two years and winning the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) major show in December? Other contenders include Vito the pug, who won the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving, and past Westminster semifinalists Comet the Shih Tzu and Louis the Afghan Hound.
With so many top-ranked dogs, the ultimate winner may just be the one who shines the brightest on the day of the competition.
When and Where Is Westminster?
The event kicks off Saturday morning at the Javits Center, featuring agility and obedience championships, as well as Westminster’s first-ever flyball competition—a high-energy relay race involving jumps and ball retrieval.
The traditional breed-by-breed judging begins Monday and Tuesday, with first-round competitions held during the day at the Javits Center. Each breed winner advances to the group stage, where they compete in one of seven categories during the evening sessions at Madison Square Garden.
Finally, the seven group winners face off for the Best in Show title Tuesday night.
How Many Dogs Are Competing?
- Around 2,500 dogs from 201 breeds and varieties are entered.
- Contestants represent all 50 U.S. states and 12 other countries.
- Dachshunds have the highest number of entries, with 52 competing.
- Agility and obedience trials feature additional competitors, including mixed-breed dogs. Last year, Nimble, a Border Collie-Papillon mix, became the first mixed-breed champion in Westminster’s agility trial history.
How Do Dogs Qualify?
- Breeders select puppies with the best physical and temperamental traits for competition.
- Training begins early, with “beginner puppies” eligible to enter AKC shows at just 4 months old.
- Some owners handle their own dogs in competitions, while others hire professional handlers who travel the country showcasing multiple dogs.
- Competing at Westminster is often the result of an intensive, strategic process that involves selecting shows based on a judge’s past preferences, monitoring rival dogs, and even placing promotional ads in dog magazines to highlight achievements.
Which Breeds Have the Most Wins?
- Wire Fox Terriers hold the record for 15 Best in Show titles, most recently in 2019.
- Poodles (all sizes combined) have won 11 times, with a Miniature Poodle named Sage taking last year’s crown.
- Despite their popularity, French Bulldogs and Labrador Retrievers have never won.
- In recent years, underdog breeds have had their moment, with two of the last three winners being first-time champions for their respective breeds—the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen and the Bloodhound.
What Do Winners Receive?
- Trophies, ribbons, and ultimate bragging rights.
- No cash prizes are awarded, but agility and obedience winners receive a $5,000 donation from Westminster to a canine training club or the AKC Humane Fund.
Are There Protests?
Westminster regularly faces opposition from animal rights activists, who protest both outside and inside the venue.
Last year, a protester carrying a “Boycott Breeders” sign attempted to enter the ring during the final round but was swiftly removed and arrested. The Westminster Kennel Club maintains that its event promotes responsible dog ownership and showcases the preservation of distinctive breed characteristics.
With its grand return to Madison Square Garden, Westminster 2025 promises to be an unforgettable showdown. Who will be crowned Best in Show this year? 🏆🐶