Returning for a landmark 150th anniversary, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will bring its iconic canine competition back to New York this weekend.
Every year, thousands of dogs compete for the title Best in Show, representing more than 200 breeds and varieties. In the 2025 edition, Giant Schnauzer "Monty" earned the accolade, becoming the first of his kind to do so.
This year's breed competitions will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Center, with Group and Best in Show Finals at Madison Square Garden.
Who will be named top dog?
Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 Westminster Dog Show, including TV channel and streaming options for the annual event.
Westminster Dog Show schedule 2026
This year's edition of the Westminster Dog Show will air on Jan. 31, Feb. 2 and Feb. 3. You can view the full schedule of events below.
Saturday, Jan. 31
| Event | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| WKC Masters Agility Championship | 4:30 - 7 p.m. | Fox, Fubo |
Monday, Feb. 2
Breeds: Sporting, Working, Terrier
| Event | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Best of Breed Judging | 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Fox One, WestminsterKennelClub.org |
| Best of Breed Judging | 1 - 4 p.m. | FS2, Fubo |
| Westminster Pre-Show | 7 - 7:30 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| Group Judging | 7:30 - 11 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
Tuesday, Feb. 3
Breeds: Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding
| Event | Time (ET) | TV/Live stream |
| Best of Breed Judging | 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Fox One, WestminsterKennelClub.org |
| Best of Breed Judging | 1 - 4 p.m. | FS2, Fubo |
| Westminster Pre-Show | 7 - 7:30 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
| Group Judging and Best in Show | 7:30 - 11 p.m. | FS1, Fubo |
How to watch the Westminster Dog Show 2026: TV channels, live streams
- TV channels: Fox, FS1, FS2
- Live streams: Fubo, Fox Sports App, Fox One
The Westminster Dog Show will air across the Fox family of networks, including FS1 and FS2. Streaming options include the Fox Sports App and Fubo, which offers a free trial for all new users.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is an event that features thousands of dogs annually. Dogs entered into the show are judged by how closely they conform to a written description of the ideal specimen of that specific breed (i.e., the breed standard).
While dogs are no longer required to perform the jobs for which they were bred, they are still judged by their ability to perform their original jobs. That includes arbitrary physical aspects such as color, eye shape, tail carriage and more.
The opening rounds of the competition see each dog compete against other dogs of their breed. Each best of breed winner then advances to the group level, divided into sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting and herding. The seven group winners advance to the final round, and the final winner will be awarded Best in Show.
History of the Westminster Dog Show
The Westminster Dog Show is America's second-longest continuously held sporting event, trailing only the Kentucky Derby. The event — which originated in 1877 as a show for gun dogs — has been held every year since its inception, including years encompassed by the Great Depression, World War I and II and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Westminster Dog Show winners
The Best in Show award is the top honor available at the Westminster Dog Show. The terrier group has been the most dominant, pacing the field with 47 wins. (The group hasn't held the crown since King Arthur Van Foliny Home, a wire fox terrier, won in 2019.)
Recent Best in Show winners
| Year | Winner | Breed | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Rocky Top's Sundance Kid | Bull Terrier (Colored) | Terrier |
| 2007 | Felicity's Diamond Jim | Spaniel (English Springer) | Sporting |
| 2008 | K-Run's Park Me In First | Beagle (15 Inch) | Hound |
| 2009 | Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee | Sussex Spaniel | Sporting |
| 2010 | Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot | Scottish Terrier | Terrier |
| 2011 | Foxcliffe Hickory Wind | Scottish Deerhound | Hound |
| 2012 | Palacegarden Malachy | Pekingese Toy | Toy |
| 2013 | Banana Joe V Tani Kazari | Affenpinscher | Toy |
| 2014 | Afterall Painting The Sky | Fox Terrier (Wire) | Terrier |
| 2015 | Tashtins Lookin For Trouble | Beagle (15 Inch) | Hound |
| 2016 | Garbonita's California Journey | Pointer (German Shorthaired) | Sporting |
| 2017 | Lockenhaus' Rumor Has It V Kenlyn | German Shepherd | Herding |
| 2018 | Belle Creek's All I Care About Is Love | Bichon Frise | Non-sporting |
| 2019 | King Arthur Van Foliny Home | Fox Terrier (Wire) | Terrier |
| 2020 | Stone Run Afternoon Tea | Poodle | Non-sporting |
| 2021 | Pequest Wasabi | Pekingese | Toy |
| 2022 | Flessner's Toot My Own Horn | Bloodhound | Hound |
| 2023 | Buddy Holly | Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen | Hound |
| 2024 | Sage | Miniature Poodle | Non-sporting |
| 2025 | Monty | Giant Schnauzer | Working |
Most wins by group
| Group | Number of winners |
|---|---|
| Terrier | 47 |
| Sporting | 18 |
| Working | 14 |
| Toy | 12 |
| Non-sporting | 12 |
| Hound | 7 |
| Herding | 5 |