Introduction
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of the most prestigious and popular sporting events in the United States. Held annually since 1877, it showcases the best examples of over 200 purebred dog breeds and varieties. The dog show has a rich history and attracts millions of viewers each year. This article provides an overview of when and where to watch the Westminster Dog Show on television, key information for fans, and some fun facts about this iconic competition.
The Westminster Dog Show
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the longest continuously held dog show in the world, having started in 1877. It is considered the most prestigious dog show in the United States and often referred to as the “Super Bowl of dog shows” (source).
The show is hosted annually by the Westminster Kennel Club at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It spans over two days in February, with various dog breeds competing in their respective categories. Over 2,000 dogs from all 50 states and 14 countries enter the competition each year (source).
The Westminster Dog Show receives extensive media coverage as the second longest continuously aired television program. In recent years it has been broadcast live on CNBC and the USA Network. The Best in Show award is considered the highest honor and greatly enhances the breeding value and price of the winning dog.
When It Airs
The 2024 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show airs live on May 13th and 14th on the FOX network. The broadcast on Monday, May 13th will air from 8pm to 11pm ET. On Tuesday, May 14th, TV coverage starts at 7:30pm and goes until 11pm ET.
The finals for Best in Show will air on Tuesday night during primetime hours on FOX. Viewers can watch the judging live for all dog breeds and groups over the two day event.
Before the main Westminster Dog Show, there are also agility and obedience competitions. The Masters Agility Championship takes place on Saturday, May 11th and airs on FOX from 2pm to 4:30pm ET. The obedience competition happens on Sunday, May 12th but is not televised.
TV Channels
The Westminster Dog Show airs on several major TV channels, with the primary broadcaster being Fox Sports. Fox Sports 1 (FS1) and Fox Sports 2 (FS2) provide live coverage of the daytime and evening events at Westminster. According to FOX Sports Press Pass, FS1 will air live coverage on Monday, February 13 from 1-3 PM ET and 7:30-11 PM ET. On Tuesday, February 14, FS2 will air live coverage from 1-4:30 PM ET and FS1 will air the final group judging and Best in Show from 7:30-11 PM ET (source).
In addition to the Fox Sports channels, some events like the agility competition air on the Fox broadcast network. Streaming options are also available via the Fox Sports app and website with a cable subscription login. Some streaming services like fuboTV and Hulu + Live TV also carry the Fox Sports channels airing Westminster.
Host & Commentators
The Westminster Dog Show has been hosted by award-winning broadcast journalist John O’Hurley since 2002. He is best known for his role as J. Peterman on Seinfeld and as the host of Family Feud. O’Hurley brings experience and charisma as the host of the event.
David Frei has been the long-time analyst for the Westminster Dog Show. He is an AKC-licensed judge who brings extensive expertise about the breeds and judging process. He provides insightful commentary during the breed and group judging. According to a forum post, Frei “always finds the right thing to say about each breed” (https://forum.positively.com/viewtopic.php?t=16355).
Additional commentators have included Mary Carillo, who provides behind-the-scenes coverage and interviews, and Maria Menounos, who serves as a reporter roaming the grounds. The analyst desk features respected figures in the dog world like Andrew Green and Lisa Peterson who provide analysis.
The play-by-play announcing team of Michael LaFave, Peter Thomas, and Allan Reznik bring excitement and details during the group and Best in Show judging. Additionally, popular TV hosts like Mario Lopez sometimes make special guest appearances.
Judging Process
The Westminster Dog Show judging process is very thorough and aims to determine the dogs that best represent their breed standard. It proceeds in multiple stages:
First is the breed judging. Each dog competes against the others in its breed class to determine the best representative of that breed. The American Kennel Club breed standards outline the ideal physical, temperamental, and behavioral characteristics for each breed. The judges carefully inspect each dog and evaluate it against these standards to select the winner. Breed winners advance to the group competition.
Next is the group judging. The seven breed category winners in each group compete against each other, with the judge awarding first place to the dog that comes closest to the ideal for that group. The group categories are Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. The top dog in each group advances to compete for Best in Show.
Finally, the seven group winners compete against each other for the prestigious Best in Show award. The judge considers which dog best represents its breed while also exemplifying the characteristics of a superior canine specimen. According to the AKC, “It is the dogs that most closely conforms to its breed standard that is judged Best in Show.” Winning Best in Show is the highest achievement for a show dog.
Throughout judging, the judges follow detailed guidelines and draw upon their extensive experience and expertise with each breed. Their decisions determine the very best representations of dogs in the country.
Behind the Scenes
A lot happens behind the scenes to get dogs ready for the big show. Handlers arrive hours before their breed is set to compete to prep the dogs. This involves bathing, brushing, clipping, and styling the dog’s coat to perfection (source1). Many handlers enlist the help of professional groomers backstage to transform their dogs into show-ready shape.
Backstage is abuzz with activity as handlers bathe dogs, blow dry fur, and meticulously style coats. It’s a race against time to meet strict grooming deadlines before going into the ring. Some larger breeds may take 5+ hours of prep and styling! (source2)
Handlers keep dogs relaxed amidst the commotion, often by massaging and playing with them. Some handlers even sing or talk soothingly to their pups. Portable grooming tables and equipment help transform dogs backstage into beautiful show contestants.
Behind the scenes offers a glimpse of the incredible work and preparation required to showcase dogs at their best. While TV focuses on the competition, a whole other show happens backstage to primp perfect pups for their time in the ring.
[source1: https://championofmyheart.com/behind-the-scenes-at-dog-shows/]
[source2: https://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/9401/extraordinary-pictures-taken-behind-the-scenes-at-dog-shows]
Memorable Moments
The Westminster Dog Show has produced many memorable and even controversial moments over its long history. In 2021, a Pekingese named Wasabi won Best in Show, defeating over 2000 other dogs to claim the prestigious title (source). Back in 2012, fans were shocked when a 2-year old Pekingese named Malachy was named Best in Show, marking the fifth time in seven years that the breed had earned the top honor.
One of the most controversial Westminster moments came in 2008, when Uno the beagle triumphed over the crowd favorite, a massive Saint Bernard named Josh. Boos and cries of “fix” and “politics” rang out from the unhappy audience after the judge’s surprising decision. Nonetheless, Uno made history as the first beagle ever to win Best in Show at Westminster.
Fun Facts
Westminster Dog Show has a long and fascinating history. Here are some interesting fun facts about this prestigious competition:
The first Westminster Dog Show was held in 1877 at Gilmore’s Garden in New York City according to Blue Dog Pet Care. It was started by a group of elite New York sporting gentlemen who belonged to the Westminster Kennel Club. The purpose was to showcase the best of purebred dogs.
With an entry of over 2,500 dogs, Westminster Dog Show is the second longest continuously held sporting event in the United States after the Kentucky Derby as noted by World Dog Finder. The annual show has taken place every year despite power shortages, economic depression, wars and even a blizzard.
The coveted Best in Show award includes a trophy and media exposure worth over $50,000 in advertising according to the American Kennel Club. However, the real prize is prestige – the Best in Show winner becomes the top dog in the United States for that year.
While Labrador Retrievers have been the most popular dog breed registered with the AKC for over two decades, one has never won Best in Show at Westminster. Terriers are the most successful group with 45 Best in Show wins.
How to Watch
The Westminster Dog Show airs live on Fox Sports 1 and streaming on the Fox Sports app. For the best viewing experience, find a comfortable spot on your couch or recliner and have your dog alongside you or in your lap. Consider muting commercials, as sudden loud sounds from ads can startle dogs.
Be sure to have treats on hand to reward your pup for calm behavior during the show. Take breaks during judging portions to play or go on a short walk. The Westminster Kennel Club also offers a second screen experience via their website and social media where you can find videos, behind-the-scenes info, and more about the breeds.
Some additional tips for maximizing your enjoyment:
- Have toys ready for your dog to chew or play with during down moments.
- Consider streaming through a pet-friendly service like DogTV to access dog-calming content.
- Mute the TV during the commercial breaks.
- Follow #WKCDogShow online to connect with other viewers.
- Take a nap together on the couch after an exciting Best in Show!
