The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is now underway, celebrating a historic sesquicentennial milestone that brings together over 3,000 champion dogs from 202 breeds in New York City. As one of America's oldest and most prestigious canine events, the 2026 show runs January 31 and February 2-3, featuring breed judging at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and culminating with the Group and Best in Show finals at Madison Square Garden. This year's edition marks a remarkable 150-year journey that began in 1877, making Westminster the second-oldest continuously held sporting event in the United States after the Kentucky Derby.
How the 150th Westminster Show Unfolded: A Historic Celebration
The 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show follows a carefully orchestrated schedule that began with the Masters Agility Championship on Saturday, January 31 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The agility competition showcased dogs navigating obstacle courses with speed and precision, setting the stage for the main conformation events. On Monday, February 2, breed judging for Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups takes place, followed by Tuesday's judging of Sporting, Working, and Terrier groups. All breed judging occurs at the Javits Center, while the much-anticipated Group and Best in Show finals will be held at Madison Square Garden—a return to the show's traditional home for these decisive rounds.
Television coverage for the 150th anniversary show is more extensive than ever, with FOX, FS1, and FS2 broadcasting live across all three days. Viewers can also stream every event through the FOX Sports app and FOXSports.com. According to the Westminster Kennel Club's official viewing schedule, coverage begins each day at 7:30 a.m. ET, ensuring fans won't miss a moment of the action. The schedule reflects the show's evolution from a gentlemen's club exhibition to a major televised spectacle that reaches millions of households worldwide.
Timeline: From 1877 to 2026 – 150 Years of Canine Excellence
The Westminster Dog Show's journey began on May 8, 1877, when a group of gentlemen hunters organized the "First Annual New York Bench Show of Dogs" at Gilmore's Garden (later Madison Square Garden). That first event featured 1,201 entries and was such a success that it became an annual tradition. In 1907, Westminster introduced the Best in Show trophy, creating the ultimate prize that continues to define canine excellence. Over the decades, the show has weathered wars, economic depressions, and venue changes while maintaining its status as the pinnacle of dog showing.
Significant milestones include the first televised broadcast in 1948, the inclusion of female dogs in 1970, and the addition of the Masters Agility Championship in 2014. The show moved to the Javits Center for breed judging in 2017 while keeping Best in Show at Madison Square Garden, creating the two‑venue format used today. As Westminster Kennel Club President David H. Smith noted in the organization's 150th anniversary materials, "What began as a gathering of sporting gentlemen has evolved into a celebration of the human‑canine bond that captivates the world."
Why the 150th Anniversary Matters: By the Numbers
The sesquicentennial Westminster show represents more than just another year—it's a statistical marvel that underscores the event's enduring appeal. Entries for the 2026 show closed on November 21, 2025, with all entered dogs required to be champions of record. Preliminary numbers indicate over 3,000 dogs representing all 202 American Kennel Club‑recognized breeds, making this one of the most competitive fields in Westminster history. The show also features more than 2,500 human participants including handlers, judges, and volunteers who make the event possible.
Financially, the Westminster Dog Show generates an estimated $50 million in economic impact for New York City each year, with hotels, restaurants, and local businesses benefiting from the influx of visitors. The presenting sponsor, Purina Pro Plan, continues a partnership that highlights the importance of canine nutrition and health. Perhaps most impressively, Westminster has been held continuously for 150 years—surviving two world wars, the 1918 pandemic, and the September 11 attacks—a testament to its resilience and cultural significance.
Where Things Stand Now: Today's Westminster Events
As of January 31, 2026, the Westminster Dog Show is in full swing with the Masters Agility Championship finals underway at the Javits Center. Today's schedule features both standard and jump height divisions, with dogs competing for the coveted Agility Championship title. Simultaneously, final preparations are being made for Monday's breed judging, with handlers conducting last‑minute grooming and training sessions throughout New York's dog‑friendly hotels. The excitement is palpable among participants and spectators alike, with social media buzzing about early favorites and standout performances.
Notable entries this year include a record number of Golden Retrievers (the breed leading entries according to Westminster's pre‑show statistics), several previous Best in Show winners returning for another attempt, and a growing contingent of handler‑owner teams who represent the evolving demographics of dog showing. The Junior Showmanship competition also begins today, highlighting the next generation of dog enthusiasts who will carry the Westminster tradition forward.
What Happens Next: The Road to Best in Show
The coming days will determine which dog earns the ultimate honor at the 150th Westminster Dog Show. After breed judging concludes on Tuesday, February 3, the seven group winners will advance to the Best in Show competition at Madison Square Garden. Historically, Terriers have dominated Westminster with 48 Best in Show wins, followed by Sporting Dogs with 19 victories. However, recent years have seen more diversity, with a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen winning in 2023 and a Scottish Deerhound taking top honors in 2022.
Expert predictions for 2026 favor dogs that combine impeccable conformation with standout presence in the ring. Early buzz surrounds several top contenders including a Wire Fox Terrier from a legendary breeding line, a Standard Poodle with exceptional movement, and a Golden Retriever that has swept previous shows this season. Regardless of which breed prevails, the 150th Best in Show winner will forever hold a special place in Westminster history as the champion of the sesquicentennial event.
The Bottom Line: Key Points to Remember
The 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show represents a historic 150‑year milestone for America's most iconic canine competition. With over 3,000 dogs competing across three days of events, the show continues to evolve while honoring its rich traditions. Television and streaming coverage on FOX networks ensures global accessibility, while the dual‑venue format in New York City provides both modern facilities and historic ambiance. As the dog world gathers to celebrate this sesquicentennial, Westminster remains not just a competition but a testament to the enduring partnership between humans and their canine companions—a bond that has only strengthened over 15 decades.
