Westminster’s 149th anniversary dog show returns to Madison Square Garden, uniting top canine champions worldwide in a dazzling blend of traditional conformation and modern agility events.

After years of navigating changing venues and pandemic protocols, the Westminster Kennel Club dog show roars back into its storied home for its 149th year—this time under the bright lights of New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden.

The return to the “World’s Most Famous Arena” isn’t just a change of scenery; it’s a homecoming steeped in tradition, excitement, and the promise of a dazzling display of canine talent from around the globe.

This year’s celebration unfolds over several action-packed days. The festivities kick off on Saturday morning at the expansive Javits Center, where agility and obedience championships set the stage.

Spectators can witness a variety of demonstration events, including Westminster’s first-ever flyball contest—a high-energy relay race where dogs sprint through a series of jumps to retrieve a ball.

This fresh twist on the traditional dog show format perfectly encapsulates the evolving nature of the sport while staying true to its rich heritage.

As the weekend progresses, the focus shifts to the traditional “conformation” judging that has long been the centerpiece of Westminster.

Throughout Monday and Tuesday, canine competitors face off in a series of rigorous rounds designed to test how closely they embody the ideal characteristics of their breeds.

In the first round, held during the daytime at the Javits Center, dogs are evaluated against others of the same breed.

Breed champions then advance to the semifinals—an evening showdown at Madison Square Garden—where winners from dozens of breeds are pitted against each other within their respective groups.

Finally, on Tuesday night around 11 p.m. on the East Coast, the seven group champions converge in a nail-biting final round to determine who will be crowned Best in Show.

With approximately 2,500 dogs representing 201 breeds and varieties registered for the event, the scale of the competition is nothing short of extraordinary.

Canine competitors hail from every U.S. state as well as from 12 other countries, with entries ranging from household favorites like golden retrievers to rarer breeds such as the sloughi.

Interestingly, despite the rising popularity of poodle mixes, “doodles” are notably absent from the contest lineup, as the American Kennel Club currently recognizes only purebred entries.

Notably, the dachshund has the largest representation this year, boasting 52 entries and a dedicated following among exhibitors and fans alike.

Beyond the glitz of the conformation rounds, the agility and obedience events also draw considerable attention. These trials often feature a mix of purebred and mixed-breed dogs, underscoring the evolving inclusivity of the sport.

Last year, for instance, a border collie-papillon mix named Nimble made history by becoming the first mixed-breed winner in the agility trial’s decade-long record—a milestone that continues to inspire handlers and spectators.

Behind every dazzling performance in the ring is a meticulous process that begins long before the show. Breeders carefully select puppies based on physical attributes and temperament, nurturing them from a young age to meet the exacting standards of the sport.

Some dogs start competing as early as four months old, while others become seasoned performers under the guidance of professional handlers who travel the country, often juggling multiple entries at various shows each weekend.

In many ways, the pursuit of canine glory has become akin to a political campaign: owners and handlers meticulously plan their strategies, study rival competitors, and sometimes even run full-page advertisements in specialized dog magazines to celebrate and promote their champion.

The competition is fierce, and while every dog at Westminster is a champion by virtue of their hard-earned titles and impressive point totals, certain names have captured the public’s imagination.

Among the crowd favorites is Mercedes, the German shepherd who was a runner-up last year, and Monty, the giant schnauzer who has been a finalist in consecutive years and recently clinched a top ranking by winning the American Kennel Club’s major show in December.

Other notable contenders include Vito, the pug who charmed audiences on Thanksgiving during the National Dog Show, and 2024 semifinalists like Comet the shih tzu and Louis the Afghan hound.

Even rarer breeds, such as a high-ranking otterhound and a record-setting wire fox terrier, have found their way into the spotlight, each hoping to etch their names in Westminster’s long history.

Yet, as any seasoned observer will tell you, Westminster is as unpredictable as it is prestigious. The old adage “the dog on the day” rings particularly true in this arena—performance under pressure can defy expectations and rewrite the record books.

Beyond the formal scoring, it’s not uncommon for a dog to capture the hearts of the audience through unforgettable antics.

Over the years, memorable moments have included a Sussex spaniel standing on its hind legs with remarkable poise, a Leonberger charmingly pilfering treats from its handler’s pocket mid-ring, and even a shiba inu proudly paraded by a determined 10-year-old.

Historically, certain breeds have found repeated success at Westminster. Wire fox terriers, for instance, have clinched the Best in Show title 15 times, with their latest triumph in 2019.

Poodles, in various sizes, have also enjoyed a storied record with 11 wins, including last year’s victory by a miniature poodle named Sage.

However, the history of Westminster is one of surprises as much as tradition. Despite their popularity, breeds like the French bulldog and Labrador retriever have yet to claim the ultimate prize, although recent trends suggest that anything is possible.

In a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the competition, two of the last three winners made history by earning the first-ever win for their respective breeds—the petit basset griffon Vendéen and the bloodhound.

As Westminster returns to its historic venue at Madison Square Garden, the excitement in the air is palpable.

This year’s event promises not only a celebration of canine beauty, agility, and grace but also a reaffirmation of the timeless bond between humans and their four-legged companions.

Whether you’re an avid dog show aficionado or a casual fan drawn in by the spectacle, Westminster’s 149th anniversary is set to deliver an unforgettable experience that marries tradition with innovation, proving once again why it remains one of the world’s premier canine events.