THE RUNDOWN

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Westminster Kennel Club Show or experiencing it for the first time, nothing compares to seeing the action live in person. This year, the show is returning to its home at Madison Square Garden, where the excitement and energy will be palpable, with 2,500 dogs across 200+ breeds competing, all vying for the ultimate title of Best in Show. And, with the show returning to its regularly scheduled February date, many fan-favorite dogs from 2024 will be returning for  around the Green Carpet.

Westminster Week begins February 8th with the Canine Celebration, featuring the Masters Agility Championship Preliminaries, Masters Obedience Championship, and Flyball Tournament. Spectators will have the opportunity to watch top dogs show off their skills at one of the biggest competitions of the year. After, the evening wraps up with the Masters Agility Championship Finals, which takes place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.

The excitement continues Monday, February 10 with Conformation events kicking off at the Javits Center. Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding breeds will be judged, along with the first half of Junior Showmanship Preliminaries.  In the evening, these breed winners will compete in the group competition at the historic Madison Square Garden, and four group winners will secure their spot in the prestigious Best in Show competition.

Dog Show Day 2 is set for Tuesday, February 11, and features Sporting, Working, and Terrier breed judging, along with the second half of Junior Showmanship Preliminaries. In the evening, the Sporting, Working, and Terrier breed winners will compete in the groups. Then, Junior Showmanship Finals will showcase some of the most talented young handlers of the sport and the title of “Best Junior Handler” will be awarded. And, finally, a new Best in Show champion will be crowned.

DOG SHOW 101 

If watching the show on TV is an annual tradition for your family, you may be surprised to learn there is so much beyond the televised portion. Before the groups you see on TV, every single dog has been judged in their own breed competition and won. This judging occurs in the day by a panel of some of the world’s most esteemed judges. But how is each dog selected as “Best of Breed?”

At a dog show, or Conformation show, dogs are evaluated and judged based on how well they “conform” to their standard—an extremely thorough written description of each breed, outlining defining breed-specific traits such as size, coat texture, structure, etc. This standard is written by the breed’s “parent club,” and it outlines exactly how the ideal specimen of each breed should appear and behave.

The goal of a Conformation show is to award the dog that most closely resembles their breed standard, and therefore, is structurally able to perform the original tasks they were bred for, encouraging and preserving these historical breeds.

At the Breed level, one judge evaluates each dog within a breed to their standard and decides which dog is the best on that day—this is the Best of Breed winner. Each Best of Breed winner moves on to their respective Group (the televised portion). Within these seven groups (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding), a new judge evaluates each breed to their respective standard and selects placements first through fourth, determining that these animals each most similarly resemble their own standards. Finally, the winner of each Group progresses to Best in Show where the ultimate winner is crowned.

Each dog exhibited at The Westminster Kennel Club has undergone countless hours of preparation, thanks to the dedication of its owner and/or handler. This will extend to endless training, grooming, and conditioning (exercise), all culminating in their time spent on the Carpet. Attending the day show will offer you a much more in-depth look into this process and allow you to see some of your favorite breeds up close. You’ll also see exhibitors grooming their dogs and, most importantly, having fun with them. One of the best parts of attending the day show is observing each handler’s connection with their animal, and the incredible bond they have formed throughout their show career. Whether they are doing tricks, playing, or just enjoying each other’s company, it is truly an unforgettable experience to see that the dogs you see on TV are beloved pets, too.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR  

If I’ve convinced you to attend your first Westminster Kennel Club Show, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. No matter your interest, there’s always something new and exciting to discover throughout the week. Westminster is uniquely a “benched” show, meaning each dog will be visible to spectators throughout the day, so you will have the opportunity to see many of your favorites up close. Whether you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of fan-favorite breeds or are on the hunt for a specific one, you’ll find all the information you need in the Judging Program, including show times, breeds, and ring locations. If you’re looking for some more specific recommendations, it only makes sense to start with America’s favorite.

This year, the French Bulldog maintained its reign as the most popular dog breed in the country, and it is the third highest entered breed at Westminster, with 40 Frenchies slated to compete for the title of Best of Breed. Expect plenty of heartwarming and laugh-out-loud moments from this curious and playful breed.

This year, the Dachshunds reign supreme as the highest entered breed at The Westminster Kennel Club with 52 total entered across all three varieties! In case you are unfamiliar, “variety” is simply a division of a breed based on coat, color, or size. So, for Dachshunds, there are 20 Longhaired, 22 Smooth, and 10 Wirehaired entered. While all three varieties are the same breed of dog, they compete separately, and the winner of each variety will advance to the group.

The crowd-favorite Golden Retriever also makes a splash with 38 entrants, and this competition will put a smile on your face thanks to their characteristic  charm! If you’re looking for a little more hair, Afghan Hounds (20 entrants) or Standard Poodles (25 entrants) will more than fit the bill! Expect to see some jaw-dropping hairdos and some of the sport’s most talented handlers showing down in these competitive breed rings. The historical favorite Wire Fox Terrier has won a whopping 15 Best in Show awards at the Westminster Kennel Club, more than any other breed. This year, seven will vie for the coveted chance to advance to the group ring. Who knows, could this year be number 16?

If you’re hoping to see something a little smaller, Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis each have 18 dogs entered. There is nothing more fun than watching this fan-favorite breed strut their stuff on the famous Carpet. You also won’t want to miss the 32 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels competing, known for their royal history and friendly disposition. Their bright eyes and wagging tails make them the perfect breed to watch as a family. And I can’t leave out the Chihuahuas! There are 39 entered across both varieties with 23 Long-coated and 16 Smooth-coated Chihuahuas scheduled to compete. If you’re an enthusiast, though, you may have already spent plenty of time watching these breeds. Or maybe you’d like to talk to breeders and learn about some less “common” breeds, the underdogs of the canine competition world. 

THE UNDERDOGS

When thinking about dog shows, we often think of the “typical” dog breeds I’ve already recommended above, but there are many amazing breeds that are lower entry or simply less common. Each of these breeds are truly exceptional in their own unique ways and deserve a spot in your busy Westminster schedule.

Up first from the Sporting group is the Field Spaniel. Intelligent and affectionate, and characterized by their captivating charm and playful spirit, they make for driven companions and loyal pets. Originally bred as flushing spaniels, the Field Spaniel was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1894. This year, there are eight entered, and they will be recognizable by their moderate feathering, face-framing ears, and noble carriage.

From the hound group, the Azawakh has been growing in popularity and increasingly in the ribbons in 2024. Recognized by the AKC in 2019, this elegant African sighthound has captured the hearts of many with their regal gaze and undeniable presence. Possessing total loyalty yet independence, the Azawakh is a sleek runner and protector, yet many find balance as family dogs and companions. With only a modest four entered, it would be easy to overlook the Azawakh breed competition, but this hound is absolutely worth adding to your schedule.

Similarly to the Azawakh, there are only four Chinooks entered at this year’s show. Accepted by AKC in 2013, the Chinook is a relatively new Working breed to The Westminster Kennel Club, but their history dates to the early 1900s.Their sled dog purpose means they are athletic and powerfully built with a very distinctive thick, close-lying coat. Chinooks are a people-oriented breed, wanting to work and please. As the only breed hailing from snowy New Hampshire, it’s no wonder the Chinook is their official State Dog! 

Friendly and inquisitive, the Rat Terrier is an American breed originally bred for farm work and ratting. Rat Terriers are balanced and compact and come in two size varieties—miniature, 10 to 13 inches, and standard, 13 to 18 inches. They are amiable and affectionate, making them great family dogs and companions and a worthy watch at the show. The Affenpinscher, meaning “monkey-like terrier” in native Germany, reigned supreme at The Westminster Kennel Club in 2013, and it’s easy to see why! Courageous, comical, and curious, the Affenpinscher is a compact toy breed standing between 9½ and 11½ inches tall. Characterized by their “neat but shaggy” appearance, they are known to be loyal and fearless, devoted pets whom one must befriend thanks to their human-like demeanor.

From the Non-Sporting group, the Lowchen is lively and bright, originating as a companion breed over 500 years ago. They are easily identified by their standard “Lion Clip” in which the coat is clipped from the last rib back, except for leg cuffs and a tail plume. Lowchen are brave with big hearts, making them playful and affectionate family pets. Last but certainly not least, the Pumi a medium-sized Hungarian herding breed, characterized by its “curly coat” and square outline. They are versatile, alert, and spirited, making them excellent herders and pets. Pumik are often described as “fast” and “busy;” they want to work with you, and they excel when they have a job.

Westminster Week offers the perfect chance to see all of the unique breeds discussed above and to appreciate the diversity of all breeds. From the thrill of Agility to Junior Showmanship to Best in Show, Westminster is a true celebration of canine excellence. Whether you’re a first-time spectator or a longtime attendee, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy. And, with the big return to Manhattan, this year’s event promises to be an unparalleled experience for dog lovers of all kinds.