The iconic Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show returns to New York City in 2026 for its 150th annual celebration, presented by Purina Pro Plan. The show takes place January 31st and February 2nd & 3rd.
Founded in 1877, Westminster is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S. and has been nationally televised since 1948. Over its long history, it has become one of the most recognized dog shows in the world, attracting top competitors, breeders, and dog enthusiasts alike. Each year, the show highlights the skill, training, and appearance of hundreds of breeds, all competing for the ultimate prize: Best in Show.
What Can I Expect at Westminster?
At the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, visitors will see over 3,000 dogs competing across more than 200 breeds. Each breed is judged on its unique characteristics, temperament, and performance across seven group competitions that all lead to the prestigious Best in Show.
The show includes demonstrations and competitions beyond breed judging. Visitors can watch agility contests, flyball tournaments, and other events that highlight the dogs’ speed, skill, and training. These activities show the amount of preparation and teamwork that goes into each dog’s performance.
Throughout the weekend, dog show visitors will have the chance to see handlers and judges at work, and gain insight into the judging process and the standards used to evaluate each dog. It’s an opportunity to observe the precision, discipline, and teamwork that make Westminster a standout event in the dog world.
What are the 2026 Schedule Highlights?
January 31st: Canine Celebration (Jacob K. Javits Convention Center)
- Masters Agility Championship Preliminaries
- Flyball Tournament & Demonstration Ring
- Human Agility Course
- Masters Agility Championship Finals
February 2nd: Dog Show Day 1
- Breed Judging (Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding)
- Junior Showmanship Preliminaries
- Group Judging at Madison Square Garden
February 3rd: Dog Show Day 2
- Breed Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier)
- Junior Showmanship Finals at Madison Square Garden
- Group Judging & Best in Show at Madison Square Garden
How Do I Purchase Tickets?
Tickets sell quickly, so plan ahead:
- Daily session passes
- Full-event passes
- Reserved seating for Best in Show
- Group packages
The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a three-day celebration of competition and tradition. It’s a chance to see top dogs in action at two of New York City’s most iconic venues.
For those in the event planning world, experiences like Westminster Week are a great source of inspiration. Don’t miss getting your tickets to The Event Planner Expo this October, where you can connect with industry leaders and explore the latest trends. This is one event planners won’t want to miss.
