Westminster 2026: By the Numbers
BY JESSICA BRAATZ
The holiday season is in full swing. For many, it’s a time of gathering with family, sharing meals, and exchanging thoughtful gifts. For breeders, owners, and handlers across the country, the season also carries an added sense of anticipation, as they await news of their coveted “golden ticket” to Westminster.
Showing at The Westminster Kennel Club isn’t as simple as sending in an entry online. Instead, there is a more extensive process and an entry limit of 2,500 dogs. For each breed, the Top 5 ranked dogs are invited, along with the year’s National Specialty winner. The rest of the dogs are entered in a lottery-based system, and these entries are confirmed and accepted via a “golden ticket” that arrives in the mail. From my own experience, there is no feeling quite like checking your mailbox every day until that famous golden envelope arrives. When you finally touch that unmistakable paper, you know you’ve made it. Your trip to Westminster is underway.
This year, the show will once again be held in New York City on January 31 and February 2–3. The Masters Agility Championship, Breed Judging, and Junior Showmanship Preliminaries will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and the Groups, Junior Showmanship Finals, and Best in Show will be held at the famed Madison Square Garden. As always, the canine takeover of New York City will be nothing short of spectacular, and you should expect to see your favorite breeds all across the city, in addition to lights of purple and gold bedecking buildings and billboards. As always, the true spectacle is indescribable until you’ve seen it for yourself.
Breeds by the Numbers
While exhibitors anticipate their own entry confirmation, they also await the release of the coveted entry breakdown, which reveals the full scope of the breeds entered. This year, the Sporting Group leads entries with 440 dogs entered across its 33 breeds. Then there is the Herding Group, with 385 entrants representing its 33 breeds. The Working Group follows closely with 367 entries spanning 32 breeds, with the Toy Group counting 360 dogs across 23 breeds. Next is the Hound Group with its 356 entrants across 32 breeds. Then comes the Non-Sporting Group with 297 dogs entered across its 20 breeds. Rounding out the breakdown is the Terrier Group with 295 dogs entered across its 31 breeds.
The ultimate entry breakdown is a tiered system, and beyond the total group statistics, there is information about the number of each breed entered and the sex of each animal competing. At a typical dog show, the breakdown is formulated as follows: 0-0-(0-0). The first number represents non-champion males, and the second is non-champion females. The numbers within the parentheses represent champions, with males listed first, followed by females. At The Westminster Kennel Club, this breakdown looks a little different, as only champions compete for the ultimate title.
The highest entries per group are as follows and ordered from highest to lowest: Sporting, Golden Retrievers (52), Non-Sporting, French Bulldogs (48), Hound, Rhodesian Ridgebacks (34), Herding, Australian Shepherds (33), Toy, Pomeranians (33), Working, Boxers (25), and Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terriers (17).
In addition to the breeds above, there are also “varieties,” which are divisions within breeds by size, color, or group. Nine breeds have varieties, and these varieties are judged separately. Listed from highest to lowest by number of entries, the breeds with varieties are as follows: Dachshunds (60), Poodles (47), Chihuahuas (41), Collies (24), Manchester Terriers (23), Beagles (22), Cocker Spaniels (18), English Toy Spaniels (16), and Bull Terriers (11).
Rooted in New York City, The Westminster Kennel Club’s scope extends well beyond, drawing entries from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. This year’s show also welcomes dogs from 17 additional countries, highlighting the event’s enduring global presence and prestige.
Hidden Gem Breeds
Just as Westminster draws entries from across the globe, it also celebrates a remarkable variety of breeds. Beyond the well-known, the club is committed to breed education and increasing diversity, introducing the public to lesser-known breeds annually via “hidden gems.” These “hidden gems” are selected by experts to bring awareness to some amazing breeds that aren’t as common, and we think should be more.
Up first this year is the Azawakh. A tall and elegant sighthound, the Azawakh originates from the West African nations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The Azawakh is independent and loyal, yet sociable and courageous. They come in any color and are uniquely lean, with their structure and musculature visible beneath the skin. This unique look denotes their aptitude as swift, durable hunters, yet they are wonderful companions. The Azawakh competed for the first time at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2020. There are five entries this year.
Next is the Berger Picard, one of the oldest French herding breeds. Loyal, smart, and courageous, they make delightful people-oriented companions when properly socialized. With their thoughtful eyes and shaggy beard, they are both endearing and distinguished. They come in fawn or brindle colorations and feature a hallmark rustic coat that does not require extensive maintenance. Strong and sturdy, the Picard is an ideal companion for athletic owners. The Berger Picard debuted at Westminster in 2016. There are 12 entries this year.
The Cesky Terrier is an outgoing, sociable, and playful hunting terrier. The national dog of the Czech Republic, the Cesky Terrier is well-muscled and short-legged, distinguished by its slightly rising topline, drop ears, and natural tail. Their body is grey, with furnishings ranging from white to charcoal. They make lovely, loyal family companions. The Cesky Terrier debuted at Westminster in 2012. There are five entries this year.
The Danish-Swedish Farmdog, which was officially recognized by the AKC in 2025, is The Westminster Kennel Club’s newest addition, joining the Working Group for the first time in 2026. They are small, compact companions, originally bred to work on farms. They are white with patches of different colors, sizes, and combinations. The Danish-Swedish Farmdog is alert, attentive, and lively, making them a great family companion. There are 12 entries this year.
Following the Danish-Swedish Farmdog is the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje. An outgoing and friendly sporting breed, the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje originates from Holland. They are keen, attentive, swift, and sturdy, distinguishable by their richly feathered ears and proud tail. The Nederlandse Kooikerhondje is white and red with desirable black tipped ears. They are steadfast companions who excel in sports, and they first debuted at Westminster in 2019. There are four entries this year.
The Silky Terrier is a spirited toy dog originating in Australia. Energetic and curious, the Silky Terrier makes for an excellent companion and friend. Their coat is smooth, silky, and shiny, coming in shades of blue from silver to slate, accompanied by rich tan. They possess the heart of terriers and are small, yet feisty, and they stand out as ideal pets. The Silky Terrier first joined the Toy Group at The Westminster Kennel Club in 1960. There are seven entries this year.
Last yet not least is the Xoloitzcuintli. The national dog of Mexico, the Xoloitzcuintli comes in three sizes and can be hairless or coated. Prized dogs of the Aztecs, the Xolo is defined by keen intelligence, elegance, and affection. They are rugged, shaped by their rich environment, yet trainable, making them highly valued and dedicated companions. The Xoloitzcuintli debuted at Westminster in 2012. There are 12 entries this year.
Beyond the Breeds
The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show isn’t just another event. It is a milestone and a tribute to 150 years of canine excellence, tradition, and education. Beyond the over 200 breeds that will be competing on Monday and Tuesday, the Canine Celebration kicks off January 31 with 300 dogs competing in the electric and unmissable Masters Agility Championship, now in its 13th year. Following its successful debut in 2025, Flyball is back and better than ever with 20 teams competing for the ultimate championship. Junior Showmanship Preliminaries will take place on Monday and Tuesday, with Finals culminating on Tuesday evening. 99 young entrants are hailing from 32 states, vying for the ultimate title of Best Junior Handler and over $20,000 in scholarships. These Junior Handlers are the future breeders, owners, and handlers that will continue to carry our sport forward.
Whether you are a seasoned exhibitor or a first-time attendee, the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is an unmissable event. Come feel the energy, watch dreams come true, and see your favorite dog breeds in real-time like never before!