The 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show is back in action, making its grand return to New York's Madison Square Garden after a hiatus due to pandemic-related relocations. Known internationally as a prestigious showcase of canine excellence, this event attracts dog lovers and competitors alike from across the globe. After two years in alternate venues, this year marks a celebrated return to what many consider the most famous arena in the world. If you really love dogs and want to witness the very best competing for the ultimate title of Best in Show, you must be there, urges club President Donald Sturz.
For those unable to attend physically, no need to worry. The entire event will be broadly covered by Fox Sports, with various components broadcast across FS1 and FS2 channels as well as their streaming platforms. Key moments are set to unfold over three days: Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday, with the grand finale—the Best in Show title—announced late Tuesday night, East Coast time.
This year's competition holds particular promise. Fans eagerly speculate whether Mercedes, the German shepherd who narrowly missed the top spot last year, will seize victory. Other contenders include Monty, the giant schnauzer who has been a formidable finalist in recent years, as well as other top-ranked breeds and potential surprise contenders. The show starts Saturday at the Javits Center, debuting with agility and obedience championships alongside demonstrations like Westminster's first foray into flyball—a dynamic relay race requiring speed, agility, and teamwork.
Monday and Tuesday bring the classic conformation trials, with dogs competing by breed at the Javits Center during the day. Successful dogs advance to evening semifinals at Madison Square Garden, where breed winners face off against others in their respective groups. The ultimate victor will be determined among these group winners during the Best in Show event.
With around 2,500 contestants from various breeds and subsets registered, the competition is fierce. Participants hail from every U.S. state and 12 additional countries, showcasing both well-known breeds like golden retrievers and rarities such as sloughis. Although popular poodle mixes remain unacknowledged as purebreds by the American Kennel Club (the regulatory authority for the event), they may become eligible in future competitions.
Dachshunds lead numerically this year with 52 entries, while agility and obedience events expand the field with hundreds more participants, including mixed breeds. Notably, last year's agility competition saw the first mixed-breed winner, a border collie-papillon mix named Nimble.
Puppy selection for shows starts with identifying those who meet the show's physical and temperamental benchmarks. Training is rigorous, and competition can be intense, with some owners opting for professional handlers to maximize their dogs' performance across the national circuit. Breeders and handlers often employ strategic maneuvers similar to political campaigning, factoring judge preferences and competitive matchups into their plans.
While each Westminster participant is already a champion in the canine sports world, specific statistics and rankings, like those maintained by the Canine Chronicle, add thrilling dimensions. Famous contenders this year include past Westminster finalists like Vito the pug, Shih Tzu Comet, and Afghan hound Louis, alongside newcomers like an otterhound and a wire fox terrier, the latter known for frequent victories at Westminster.
Ultimately, the outcome is unpredictable, often falling to the dog on the day, meaning the competitor who delivers an outstanding performance. Crowd favorites over the years have included unique personalities like a Sussex spaniel showing off by sitting upright, and a pocket-digging Leonberger. Historical trends show wire fox terriers as dominant with 15 wins and poodles claiming 11 titles. Yet, unexpected victories, such as those by a petit basset griffon Vendéen and a bloodhound in recent shows, highlight Westminster's dynamic and diverse nature.
Although no cash prizes accompany the display of exceptional canine talent, winners in agility and obedience direct significant donations to pet organizations. The event also contends with animal rights protests opposing breed-focused shows, which occasionally spill over into the competition rings. Despite this, the Westminster Kennel Club continues to champion responsible dog ownership while celebrating each breed's distinct characteristics.
