Meet Dogs From Around the World at the Westminster Dog Show in NYC

Long haired Collie running in between bars of an agility test at the Westminster Dog Show — Courtesy of Westminster Dog Show

Meet Dogs From Around the World at the Westminster Dog Show in NYC

Growing up a native New Yorker, one thing I’ve always loved is that New York is a city of dogs. It also didn’t hurt that my mom was a huge animal lover, and we rescued cats and dogs my whole childhood, something I passed along to my own kids. No matter if you are a native New Yorker or a new addition to the city, there are always a healthy number of pet-related events. If you’re looking for something fun and different to do with the family this winter, the 150th Westminster Dog Show could be just the thing.

This year, the most famous dog competition in the world is coming back to Madison Square Garden and the Jacob Javits Center.

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Small white show dog with a shaved coat and rounded poodle-style feet at the Westminster Dog Show — Courtesy of Westminster Dog Show

Meet Dogs from All Over

Over 3,000 champion dogs from all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico, D.C., and 17 countries around the world, are set to take part in the historic 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show this winter. The milestone event kicks off January 31 and continues February 2–3, bringing some serious canine star power back to Manhattan.

Golden Retrievers are leading the pack this year, with 52 entries, followed closely by French Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks. But it’s not just the classics showing off their skills. This year, the newest AKC-recognized breed, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog (aka the “little big dog”), makes its Westminster debut with 12 entrants.

Young handler kneeling next to a tri-colored, long-haired dog during competition at the Westminster Dog Show — Courtesy of Westminster Dog Show

Multiple Competitions

Besides the main event, there are other fun competitions. The Masters Agility Championship returns, plus the wildly popular Flyball Tournament, featuring 20 of North America’s top teams racing through an obstacle course at lightning speed. The Flyball Tournament is a high-energy event where teams of dogs race to grab tennis balls and pass them off in a fast-paced relay.

If your kids are into obstacle courses, the Masters’ Agility Championship has dogs race through jumps, poles and tunnels as fast as they can to win the relay race. The Junior Showmanship competition lets kids ages 9 to 18 show off their handling skills with their dogs.

Of course, the big event everyone waits for is Best in Show. This is the finale where the top dogs from every category battle it out for the big title. By the end of the show, everyone has a favorite, making the final announcement that much more exciting.

Handler kissing her dog at the Westminster Dog Show — Courtesy of Westminster Dog Show

Great Experience for Animal Lovers

The Westminster Show is a great way to spend time together, regardless of whether you’re there in person or watching on TV. If you’re not able to make it, you can still catch all the action from home. The show will be broadcast live, so you can enjoy it from the comfort of your couch.

Dates: January 31 & February 2–3, 2026
Locations: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (Agility & Breed Competitions) and Madison Square Garden (Evening Group Judging & Best in Show)
Family-Friendly: Kids will enjoy the agility challenges, Flyball races, and seeing over 200 dog breeds up close
Get Tickets Now: Tickets for all events at both venues are available now through the Westminster Kennel Club website.
Stream the Event: You can watch on FOXSports. Consult the viewing schedule to find your favorite events.

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Long haired Shih Tzu with handler at the Westminster Dog Show — Courtesy of Westminster Dog Show

Fun Facts from Westminster

3,000+ champion dogs will compete across 7 breed groups, representing 200+ breeds and varieties.
Golden Retrievers lead the entire show with 52 entries.
The largest breed groups this year are:
- Sporting Group: 440 dogs
- Herding Group: 385 dogs
- Working Group: 367 dogs
- Toy Group: 360 dogs
French Bulldogs remain a fan favorite with 48 entries, while Pugs (31) and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (32) aren’t far behind.
The newest breed, the Danish-Swedish Farmdog, makes its Westminster debut with 12 competitors—a fun one for kids to spot.
California brings the biggest contingent with 220 dogs, followed closely by Florida (212) and New York (154).
17 countries are represented, with Canada leading international entries at 76 dogs.
The smallest showing states? Hawaii and North Dakota each send just one dog.
Kids will love spotting pint-sized pups in the Toy Group, from Pomeranians (33) to Chihuahuas (41 total).