The 149th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show next year will mark the return of America’s most prestigious dog show to Manhattan, New York City. Daytime events will kick off on February 8. They will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on all three days. The evening events on February 10 and 11, including group judging and the iconic Best in Show ceremony, will take place at the city’s iconic Madison Square Garden. This was where it all began in 1877, when The Garden hosted the first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
The three-day, three-night event will feature over 2,500 champion dogs from around the world competing in top performance activities that culminate in the Best in Show award.
Westminster’s “Canine Celebration” will kick off Westminster Week on February 8 at the Javits Center. The celebration will feature a variety of showstopping activities, including the all-new Flyball Tournament, where teams of top-performing dogs will compete in successive relay races for the grand prize.
Established in 1877, the Westminster Kennel Club is America’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of dogs. Its dog show is the second-longest, continuously held sporting event in the U.S. after the Kentucky Derby. Since 1948, it is the longest and only live nationally televised dog show. The club’s mission is to enhance the lives of all dogs by celebrating the companionship they provide and promoting responsible dog ownership and breed preservation.
Next year’s event will mark the tenth anniversary of the Masters Obedience Championship and the twelfth Annual Masters Agility Championship, which will again welcome top-ranked purpose-bred and all-American (mixed-breed) dogs. Both events will take place on February 8 at the Javits Center.
The dog benching areas at the Javits Center will allow spectators the chance to interact with their favourite breeds and exhibitors, while the demo ring will provide up-close demonstrations such as herding and scent work. Starting this year, guests of all ages will also be able to get in on the action with a dog-approved agility course designed for humans!
The Westminster Week “Canine Celebration” special events are presented by Purina Pro Plan, a leader in the advanced nutrition category with more than 140 targeted formulae to help pets thrive through every stage of life.
The evening events at the Madison Square Garden on February 10 and 11 will include group judging and the Junior Showmanship competition, which assesses the handling skills of children 9-18 years of age and has promoted proper dog training and care to prepare the next generation for responsible dog ownership, sportsmanship, and future success in the sport.
The Westminster Kennel Club will close out the show on February 11, naming the 2025 Best in Show winner at the world’s most famous arena.
Tickets for all events at both venues are now available through westminsterkennelclub.org. For group sales and requests for companion seats and seats accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act, email tickets@westminsterkennelclub.org.
The 2025 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will be aired on FOX, FS1, and FS2. You can also stream the event on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports application. The viewing schedule is available at westminsterkennelclub.org/viewing-schedule.
The annual dog show—a conformation competition for purpose-bred dogs—and the Masters Agility Championship and Masters Obedience Championship—where dogs from all backgrounds are eligible to compete—make Westminster Week, with thousands of dogs from the U.S. and around the world, a pinnacle experience for any dog lover.
Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations, and manufactures some of the world’s most trusted and popular pet care products. Its pet food, treat, and litter brands are used by 46 million dogs and 68 million cats annually, according to Purina’s estimate. Over the past five years, Purina has also contributed more than $150 million towards organizations that bring, and keep, people and pets together, as well as those that help communities and the environment thrive.
Purina is part of Nestlé, a global leader in nutrition, health, and wellness.
SOURCE: PR Newswire
