Westminster Dog Show 2025: Your complete guide

Katie Bernardin and Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, compete in the best in show competition
Katie Bernardin and Monty competing to win Best In Show 2025 (Image credit: Alamy)

The 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is over for another year, but there’s still plenty to know about it. In 2025 it ran on February 8th, 10th, and 11th and made its returning to the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Nearly 2,500 champion breed dogs compete at this show each year in agility and breed competitions, group judging and of course, the Best in Show.

The dates for the 150th Annual Westminster Dog Show are yet to be announced.

Below we've rounded up everything you need to know about one of the biggest events of the year and the US answer to Crufts.

What is the Westminster Dog Show?

Every year, thousands of dogs and their owners come together to compete for a Westminster title. The competition is officially known as Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and is the second-longest, continuously held sporting event in the US, second only to the Kentucky Derby.

Since 1948, it’s also been the longest nationally televised live dog show. There are now over 200 breed competitions in addition to seven different group competitions. These include the Masters Agility Championship, Flyball Tournament and a human agility course among others.

When is the Westminster Dog Show?

Chow Chows lined up for judging

(Image credit: Getty Images)

This event will start on February 8th, 2025 with doors opening bright and early at 7am. This day will include the Demonstration Ring, Master's Agility Championship, Flyball Tournament, and Human Agility course.

February 10-11, will hold breed and group judging, as well as the Junior Showmanship competitions. The final round on February 11th will reveal the Best in Show.

Check out the Westminster Kennel Club official website for the most up-to-date schedule.

How to watch the Westminster Dog Show

Fox channels, the Westminster Kennel Club website and Youtube will be steaming live coverage of the show. You can also check out our complete guide on how to watch Westminster Dog Show 2025, which also has the full schedule and where you can watch each class to ensure you don't miss out on anything.

Who won the Westminster Dog Show in 2025?

Katie Bernardin and Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, celebrate after winning best in show in the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show

(Image credit: Alamy)

Winner of Westminster’s Best in Show 2025 was Monty, a giant schnauzer, and his owner/handler Katie Bernardin.

Who won the Westminster Dog Show in 2024?

Sage, 2024 winner of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Sage, winner of Best In Show at Westminster Dog Show in 2024 (Image credit: Getty Images)

Sage, a miniature poodle won the Best in Show at the 2024 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. A four-year-old German Shepherd, Mercedes, was the runner-up.

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Westminster Dog Show past winners

Year

Best In Show winner

Breed

2025

Monty

Giant Schnauzer

2024

Sage

Miniature Poodle

2023

Buddy Holly

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen

2022

Trumpet

Bloodhound

2021

Wasabi

Pekingnese

2020

Siba

Poodle

2019

King

Wire Fox Terrier

2018

Flynn

Bichon Frise

2017

Rumor

German Shepherd

2016

GCH Vjk-Myst Garbonita's California Journey (aka CJ)

German Shorthaired Pointer

2015

Miss P

Beagle

2014

Sky

Wire Fox Terrier

Westminster Dog Show tickets

Tickets are available to purchase at ticketmaster.com and tix123.com

The Westminster Kennel Club website also contains helpful information on hotels nearby, transit options and even things to do in the area.

Want more dog action? Find out how to watch Crufts, which is the UK’s equivalent in March

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

Recent updates

This feature was last updated on February 12, 2025.

Alexis De Leaver
Digital & Syndication Staff Writer

Alexis has been an editorial writer for over ten years. While her most of her writing has been focused on all things lifestyle content, she has a passion for animals that she hopes shines though in her pieces.