Already, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the greatest dog show in the world, is gathering hype for its next stop in 2025. Best known for being a showcase for the crème de la crème of the canine kingdom, the show brings together elite breeders, handlers, and connoisseurs of pooches from around the globe. The 2025 event is still roughly a year away, but here’s what we know so far, and what to expect from the storied competition.
What is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the second-longest-running continuous sporting event in the United States, after the Kentucky Derby. The show, which began in 1877, has become a beacon of excellence in dog breeding and showing. The event features thousands of dogs competing in a great array of categories, from breed judging, group judging, and the ultimate Best in Show.
When And Where Is The 2025 Show?
The 2025 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is scheduled for February 2025, at two legendary New York City venues:
- USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, for breed and group judging.
- Madison Square Garden in Manhattan for the final rounds, including the Best in Show competition.
- These venues have been among the show’s bread-and-butter homes in the past few years, with lots of room for people competing, watching, and covering the event.
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What’s New in 2025?
The basic format of full judging in each breed class has remained the same, but the Westminster Kennel Club continually does new things within it to make the event seem fresh and fun. Here’s a roundup of updates and highlights coming to your region in 2025:
Breeds Eligible to Compete for the First Time
Each year the American Kennel Club (AKC) sanctions new dog breeds, eligible to enter Westminster to compete. The 2025 show will feature a few new breeds newly recognized in the U.S., adding competition for the coveted Best in Show title.
Enhanced Fan Experience
The Westminster Kennel Club has strived to be a fan-friendly event both in person and online. In 2025, expect even more interactive offerings including live stream coverage of every event, behind-the-scenes and social media action. There may also be new ways for fans to vote for their favorite dogs or participate in virtual-events.
Expertise in Canine Health and Wellness
This show (and others) continues to stress responsible breeding and health in dogs. But by 2025, there probably will be education programs and even exhibits addressing topics like genetic testing, responsible ownership, and the place of the dog in society.
How to Watch the Show
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is televised extensively for those unable to be there in person. Where can you watch the event? FOX Sports and various streaming platforms will share coverage of the event in 2025. The other allows dog lovers around the world to watch and cheer on their favorite breeds.
What Sets Westminster Apart?
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: It’s a competition, and also a celebration, and also about dogs and their individual qualities. What sets it apart is this:
Diversity of Breeds
The show features more than 200 breeds and varieties, from the more common — aka ones you can see on the street, like Golden Retrievers and French Bulldogs — to rarer breeds, like the Azawakh and Norwegian Lundehund.
History and Tradition
The 140-plus-year-old show is steeped in tradition. It’s a chance to honor the heritage of purebred dogs and those who spend their lives breeding and showing them.
