150th Westminster 2026

The seven group winners circled under judge Mr. David Fitzpatrick’s scrutiny. Each was examined meticulously: the Chesapeake Bay Retriever (who took Reserve), the Smooth Fox Terrier, the Afghan Hound to name a few. When Penny was named Best in Show, the arena exploded in cheers. It was the fifth Doberman victory in Westminster history, a notable milestone for the breed at the show’s 150th edition- but most importantly the second Doberman win for Andy Linton, who had previously taken the title in 1989.  The celebration extended beyond the Garden.

That evening, the Empire State Building glowed in Westminster’s signature purple and yellow, a striking tribute piercing the cold night sky. Visible from across Manhattan, it turned the win into a citywide event, a fitting nod to New York’s embrace of the show. Observing as a spectator after my own ring time offered valuable perspective. 

• Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

Main Winners

An English Girl in New York

Having exhibited and spectated at Crufts for over two decades, I’ve grown accustomed to the scale and rhythm of one of the world’s largest dog shows. So, when the opportunity arose to bring a dog from my grandmother’s breeding lines to compete at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held January 31 to February 3, 2026, I simply could not turn it down.  Westminster remains one of those legendary events that many in the fancy only dream of attending, let alone participating in. While my primary role was as an exhibitor handling our entry during breed judging, the bulk of my time allowed me to step back into spectator mode, particularly for the group competitions and Best in Show at Madison Square Garden. 

Arrival in New York set the tone immediately; landing amid a fierce polar vortex, temperatures dipped to around -18°C, with wind chills pushing it lower and snow accumulating on streets already slick with ice. For someone used to Crufts’ milder early-spring weather at the NEC, this was a harsh introduction. Navigating Manhattan meant bundling in multiple layers, scarves, and insulated boots just to cross a few blocks; even the dog ended up with her own pair of protective boots! The cold was relentless, yet the excitement of Westminster was in the air in one of the busiest cities in the world. Coping with the weather added an element of grit to the glamour of dog showing, testing handlers and dogs alike before they even entered the ring.

SINGLE HALL LAYOUT

Breed judging unfolded at the Javits Convention Center, a vast, modern space that housed all the action under one roof. With over 2,500 dogs entered across more than 200 breeds, the venue’s single-hall layout was a stark contrast to Crufts’ multi-hall setup at the NEC, where breeds scatter widely and getting from one ring to another often involves long walks or shuttles. At Javits, everything felt concentrated: rings aligned closely, the air filled with the steady hum of dryers, clippers, and announcements. Spectators and exhibitors moved fluidly between breeds without stepping outside into the freeze. The format differences were immediately apparent. Crufts typically divides classes by sex and age early, creating stepped progression with separate dog and bitch competitions before best of breed. Westminster streamlines this into a more unified approach per breed, where champions, specials, and others compete together toward Best of Breed in a single, decisive session. It demands peak performance right away, with less margin for building momentum. Watching ringside, and participating briefly in our own breed, highlighted how this heightens intensity. My time in the ring with our dog from our lines was a focused, high-pressure moment amid the broader spectacle, but once concluded, I was able to observe the rest of the day’s judging with fresh eyes.

TRANSITION

As breed winners advanced, the event transitioned to Madison Square Garden for group judging and Best in Show. The shift from Javits to MSG involved braving the arctic outdoors again, a short but chilling walk, before entering the iconic arena. MSG, steeped in history from sports and entertainment, takes on a unique energy for Westminster: bright lights overhead, tiered seating filled with enthusiastic crowds, and an almost theatrical atmosphere. From my spot in the stands, I could fully appreciate the pageantry without the distraction of preparation.

The group judging showcased the seven categories: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding, each winner representing the pinnacle of their group. Watching the group judging for me was definitely the highlight; it was wonderful to see the best of all breeds lined up together; many of which I had never seen before in person as a UK exhibitor. 

CONTRAST

Westminster’s compact, elite focus, limited entries, three main days, historic venues, contrasts with Crufts’ expansive festival feel: four days, more dogs and many classes; all taking place at one venue.  The cold amplified the dedication on display, handlers protecting coats from the elements, dogs staying alert despite the chill, while the unified venues fostered a seamless flow. For me, the week blended personal involvement with the privilege of watching the best of the best. Westminster, even with its frosty challenges, proved every bit the dream event it’s reputed to be.