- Categories:
- Animal
- Tags:
- AppreciationDogPet
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- 5th Saturday of January
- Holiday emoji:
- 🐕
The Westminster Dog Show gathers the world’s finest purebred canines every year for a prestigious competition. From January 31 to February 3, 2026, witness agility, obedience, and conformation as dogs vie for the coveted ‘Best in Show’ title. Tune in, cheer for your favorite breed, and celebrate the incredible bond between humans and their canine companions.
Want to sponsor Westminster Dog Show? Learn how
Expected Westminster Dog Show Deals
While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that pet supply retailers, dog food brands, and even some luxury pet boutiques often roll out special deals and discounts during the Westminster Dog Show. Look for offers from brands like Petco, Chewy, and Purina on premium dog food, grooming supplies, and accessories. Many smaller, independent pet stores might host viewing parties or local ‘best dressed dog’ contests with prizes. Expect online retailers to feature special bundles and free shipping offers. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February approaches.
Platform Guide for Westminster Dog Show
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WestminsterDogShow. Share photos of your own purebred or mixed-breed canine companion watching the show.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #WestminsterDogShow. Film your dog’s reaction to the ‘Best in Show’ announcement or create a ‘day in the life’ video of a show dog.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #WestminsterDogShow. Join the live conversation during the broadcast, tweeting your predictions for ‘Best in Show’.
Westminster Dog Show Hero
William H. Mauldin
History of Westminster Dog Show
The Westminster Kennel Club, which was founded in 1877, is the oldest dog-sports organization in the U.S. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the nation’s second-longest-running athletic event and the longest, continuously broadcast, live dog show on television, is held there every year.
During a meeting, the group decided to have a dog show so that they could compare their dogs in a setting other than the field where they were competing. Taking place in Gilmore’s Garden (the precursor of Madison Square Garden) in New York City, the first-ever New York Bench Show of Dogs, sponsored by the Westminster Kennel Club, attracted a total of 1,201 dogs for its inaugural show in 1877.
With almost 3,000 dogs from the U.S. and throughout the world competing in Westminster Week’s annual dog show, the Masters’ Agility and Obedience Championships, and the Masters’ Obedience Championship, the event is a must-attend for dog lovers. With its informative benched style, America’s Dog Show has been enthralling canine fans for more than a century in New York City. It is the goal of the club to improve the quality of life for all dogs by promoting responsible dog ownership and the preservation of breeds. The Westminster Kennel Club’s position as the icon of the purebred dog developed as the dog show grew each year, with its influence evident in show rings all over and ultimately in millions of television sets throughout the U.S.
Westminster Dog Show timeline
The American Kennel Club who are a national governing organization that will oversee dog registrations and dog shows across the country.
For the first time, Westminster's most coveted prize, Best in Show, is awarded.
The American Red Cross benefits from the show's proceeds, which contribute to the war effort.
Television coverage of the show happens for the first time and is nationally broadcast.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Westminster Dog Show
Local pet grooming salons can offer ‘Best in Show’ themed packages, while doggy daycares can host viewing parties for their canine clients. Pet supply stores can create displays featuring products for popular breeds seen at Westminster, offering discounts on premium food and accessories. Restaurants and bars might host themed watch parties, serving ‘puppy chow’ snacks and specialty cocktails. Even non-pet businesses can engage by sharing fun dog facts or photos of their employees’ dogs on social media, using #WestminsterDogShow.
Westminster Dog Show FAQs
When is Westminster Dog Show?
In 2027, the prestigious Westminster Dog Show will take place from Saturday, January 30, to Tuesday, February 2, continuing its tradition as a highlight of the canine calendar.
How many breeds compete at Westminster?
The show regularly welcomes around 2,500 dogs from more than 200 breeds, representing the pinnacle of canine conformation and talent each year.
How popular is the Westminster Dog Show?
As the second-oldest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., its popularity remains immense, captivating audiences with its blend of tradition and competitive spirit.
What does 'Best in Show' mean?
This coveted award represents the pinnacle of breed standards and presentation, with the winning dog considered the finest example of its breed and an overall champion among all competitors.
Westminster Dog Show Activities
Watch past shows
Past shows are rebroadcast for people to watch. If you’ve missed any of the previous years or you want to start watching the shows, it is a great way to get started.
Watch the show
As a fan of the show, you can watch the show and see whether a past winner will take the award home or which new winners will emerge. If you’re a new viewer, you can see the amazing world of one of the oldest and largest dog shows.
Register your dog
You can enter your dog into the competition. You can never tell whether your dog will win the Best in Show award at the competition.
5 Facts About Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
The glamourous award
The ‘Best in Show award’ is considered the highest award in dog competitions in the U.S.
It is only for purebred dogs
The show is a confirmation competition for purebred dogs.
It is a benched dog show
At the W.K.C., when a dog is not competing in the ring, it must remain in its designated space (a bench) offstage.
The best of breeds category
A Best of Breed is a dog that is judged to best represent its breed and advances to compete against other Best of Breeds in its judging group.
Seven judging groups
Based on the purpose for which the breed was developed, seven judging groups have been created to represent the various roles the dog can perform.
Why We Love Westminster Dog Show
It’s a popular form of entertainment
People around the world appreciate dog shows as a kind of entertainment for their canine friends. Every year, people flock to dog shows to see which of their favorite breeds will walk across the ring and, hopefully, take home the trophy.
It is all about dogs, dogs, dogs
For dog lovers, this show shows their beloved four-legged friends across different breeds. It is a great feeling to get to watch them with excitement.
It promotes awareness
Dog shows typically show so many different breeds and may shine the light on other not-so-popular ones. Show watchers can generate excitement about new dog breeds they have not seen that have won the show. They also help in preserving historical breeds.
Westminster Dog Show dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | January 31 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 30 | Saturday |
| 2028 | January 29 | Saturday |
| 2029 | January 27 | Saturday |
| 2030 | January 26 | Saturday |
Social Media Tips for Westminster Dog Show
Individuals
Creators
Brands