For a century and a half, Westminster has endured. Its magic and allure carried by commitment to legacy, tradition, and history, along with growth, advancement, and evolution. As the country’s second-longest consecutively running sporting event, it has remained steadfast alongside an ever-changing world. At the heart of this success is the dog community’s unwavering dedication to the canines they love so dearly, to their health, temperament, and breed longevity. For it is the passion in the exhibitors, breeders, spectators, and club members that truly defines Westminster. 

Throughout the week, I asked attendees of all backgrounds a question: What does Westminster mean to you? I found myself emotional alongside our longtime fanciers and first-time attendees as they told stories of greatness, quiet moments, and lifetime memories, but the resounding answer was “everything.” To those of us who dedicate our lives to dogs, Westminster is it. It is everything, and this year, that truth felt more evident than ever, carried in every ring, win, or reunion. 

Traditions and Legacy

Throughout its 150-year tenure, Westminster has transcended an event, becoming an unmistakable presence. While the show was magical at the Lyndhurst Mansion and resilient at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, there is an indescribable feeling of triumph to return to the city and the Jacob K. Javits Center. With its opulent glass facade decked in Westminster regalia, it was hard not to feel emotional heading down the escalators and into the fully transformed expo center. 

Upon entering the Javits Center, spectators were met by a never-before-seen museum, celebrating 150 years of Westminster history and legends. Rather than traditional purple, the carpet was a captivating verdant hue, reflecting onto the ceiling and the exhibits. The expansive timeline celebrated events from the formation of the club to the present, while large pillars were decorated with images of legendary dogs of the past. As you immersed yourself in this green-carpeted history, you were invited into a moment of reflection and gratitude, surrounded by the enduring and ever-resilient spirit of Westminster. 

Monday night saw the honoring of Westminster icon Mrs. Patricia Craige Trotter. Winner of a remarkable 11 Hound Groups with her Vin-Melca Norwegian Elkhounds, Pat Trotter is also a revered judge, having adjudicated Best in Show in 2021 and countless breeds over the years. This year, she judged Daschunds, bringing the same depth of knowledge and integrity that define her decades-long journey in dogs to her assignment. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as the Vin-Melca Hound Group Trophy was dedicated and awarded for the first time. 

Tuesday night honored John Ashbey, a legend in his own right as The Westminster Kennel Club’s official photographer for five decades. As “John Ashbey: 50 Years in Focus” was announced through the Garden’s speakers, all attention turned to the archival photos displayed on the screen above. Those images told the story of more than fifty Westminster Dog Shows. From triumphant victories to quiet emotion, Ashbey captured it all, creating an incomparable visual history of great dogs, handlers, and judges. When the honor concluded, the crowd was alive with conversation, for nearly everyone seemed to have an Ashbey story to tell or a favorite photo he’d taken. His daughter, Andrea, was also recognized for her dedication as a second-generation photographer and testament to her family’s legacy. 

History Re-Imagined

Rather than looking to the past, much of the 150 celebrations focused on evolution and the future, nowhere more so than the Sensation Stage. A new initiative for 2026, the Sensation Stage nimbly balanced history with evolution, featuring talks catering to those of all backgrounds and experience levels. Some highlights of the extensive programming include “Get Started in Agility” with Jennifer Crank, “Flyball 101,” a Canine Sports Medicine discussion by Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, “Judging Insider” with Michael Faulkner, “Paws & Pointers” with Dr. Diggs, “Spotlight on Westminster Junior Handlers,” and many meet and greets with the Westminster Legends.

The Westminster Legends officially took to the floor Monday night between the Toy and Non-Sporting Group Judging. One after another, some of the most adored Westminster winners paraded onto the Garden floor. The complete group included Wilma the Boxer (Working Group Winner, 2019 & 2020), Ribbon the Australian Shepherd (Herding Group Winner, 2023), Striker the Samoyed (Working Group Winner, 2021 & 2022), Louis the Afghan Hound (Hound Group Winner, 2024), Daniel the Golden Retriever (Sporting Group Winner, 2020), Bono the Havanese (Reserve Best in Show, 2019, Toy Group Winner, 2020), Siba the Standard Poodle (Best in Show, 2020), and Monty the Giant Schnauzer (Best in Show, 2025). As these dogs took to the floor, emotions were at an all-time high. For some of these handlers, it was their first time on the Madison Square Garden floor with their beloved pets. For others, it was the moment of a lifetime, reliving some of the most meaningful wins of their lives, and taking one last spin around the illustrious carpet. Seeing these dogs’ grey faces, pet trims, and bonds with their handlers was nothing short of priceless, and the perfect reminder of why we show dogs: the unwavering love between human and canine. Throughout the duration of the show, these Legends took to the Sensation Stage, meeting adoring fans, enjoying endless pets, and showing off their remarkable breed-specific temperaments. 

Canines in Action

The first dogs to hit the carpet at Westminster 150 competed in Agility and Flyball. While Agility has become central to Westminster, it wasn’t until 2014 that the first competition was held in conjunction with the Conformation show. Flyball is a much more recent addition, with its first instance in 2025. Both of these sports welcome both purebred and All-American dogs, making them great introductions to the canine competition world. Regarding Agility, two-time Masters Agility Champion Jennifer Crank said, “Agility is about having fun. It’s for everyone!” And this statement couldn’t be truer. There is a level of camaraderie, electricity, and excitement that is not found anywhere else. When spectating both Agility and Flyball, it is extremely noteworthy that while much of the crowd is dog enthusiasts and spectators, a large portion is fellow competitors staying from the first to last run, cheering for all participants, whether the run brings success or failure. Each of these sports is also deeply representative of canine connection, with success stemming from the dog and human’s bond and love for their respective sports. 

Saturday also brought a full schedule of demonstrations and events. From human agility to herding to scentwork, Westminster brought a sampling of sports beyond Agility, Flyball, and Conformation to show that there really is something for everyone in the world of dog sports. Whether you are a longtime Conformation exhibitor, first-time dog owner, or spectator, the Saturday Canine Celebration is unmissable, and the perfect introduction to the excitement, camaraderie, and tradition that define Westminster week.

The Show of all Shows

Monday marked the first day of Conformation events for this year’s show, with over 1000 dogs competing in the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding breeds, along with Junior Showmanship Preliminaries. Entering Javits, the energy of the benching area was tangible as exhibitors readied for the busy day ahead. The day certainly did not disappoint, and watching some of the sport’s greatest judges examine a seemingly endless number of exceptional dogs with nuance and care was a joy. 

It was touching to watch exhibitors in the benching area utterly devoted to each dog, tending to their individualized needs through exercise, trimming, and training. Similar to ringside, the benching area was packed with spectators, media, and exhibitors. There, exhibitors took the time to talk to the public about their breeds and our sport, introducing their dogs and acting as invaluable resources. Many also gave interviews to news outlets, sharing their love for the sport and their dogs with a far-reaching audience. 

After the completion of the breed judging, a great journey to Madison Square Garden began. Showing on the green carpet does not come easy, and those who had the honor of winning a breed walked or shuttled all of their grooming equipment, crates, and dogs from Javits to The Garden for the evening. From there, they are benched on the fifth floor to await their moment in the ring. 

At 7:30 p.m., Michael LaFave’s voice boomed across the arena: “May we have the Hound Group in the ring.” His voice, which has become synonymous with Westminster, was heard throughout the show for the final time, as this year marked LaFave’s retirement. For nearly 25 years, he has served with unwavering dedication, announcing each Group entrance, breed, and winner with remarkable nuance and distinction. His presence has been an integral part of the Westminster Dog Show, and he will be dearly missed by all those who have attended during his tenure.

With the announcement complete, the Hounds took to the ring, and Mr. Michael Canalizo graced the floor. Groups had begun. Mr. Canalizo is a Westminster legend, himself, having attended 62 of the past 63 shows. For 150, he donned the suit jacket he wore when he won the Hound Group in 1996. Thirty years later, he found himself at the center of the ring once more, “I’ve attended Westminster for 62 years. I won the group 30 years ago in this jacket. Now I know what it’s like to win the group and award the group.” On that fateful night, Mr. Canalizo won with an Afghan Hound, and on this night, he awarded First place to one. The Afghan Hound, Zaida, was captivating, and after their once-in-a-lifetime win, handler Wilmer Santiago took a brief moment on the floor with his beloved dog, petting her luscious hair, admiration and gratitude radiating. When asked how he was feeling, Wilmer said through tears, “She makes me feel like anything is possible.”

Following this emotional first group came the Toy Group, judged by Ms. Charlotte Patterson. Ms. Patterson’s judging assignment marked her eighth at Westminster, with her first in 2001. Her ultimate selection was the Maltese, Cookie, handled by Tim Lehman. A longtime fancier, Tim also won the Toy Group in 2022 with another Maltese, Hollywood. When asked what this win meant to him, he said, “Everything. I feel ecstatic.” And Cookie did too, regally posing for her photo. 

The next group of the evening was the Non-Sporting Group, judged by Mr. Eugene Blake. Mr. Blake is a legend, having spent over 70 years in the sport of dogs. He won the Hound Group in 1973 with an Afghan Hound and also had the honor of judging the Hound Group in 2022. This year, when asked how he felt after completing his assignment, Mr. Blake said, “It was everything I hoped it would be, and I dreamed about it.” The winner of his group was JJ, the Lhasa Apso, who was breeder-owner-handled by Susan S. Giles. Susan has had a remarkable career in dogs, winning AKC Breeder of the Year for 2025. When asked about her win, she said, “To win at the most prestigious dog show of the year is just fabulous.”

The Herding Group, judged by Mrs. Sheree Moses Combs, concluded the first day of judging. Mrs. Moses Combs has had much Westminster success, including breeding the German Shepherd Dog, Mercedes, who won the Herding Group in 2024 and 2025. This year, she awarded First place to Old English Sheepdog, Graham, handled by Colton Johnson. This win was notable as Graham is a third-generation Westminster Group winner. His sire Connor won in 2021, and his grandsire Swagger won in 2013 and 2015, also taking home Reserve Best in Show in 2013. When asked about his win, Colton replied, “This win means a lot. It was a beautiful group, and to win at the 150th anniversary of Westminster is just awesome.” Mrs. Moses Combs shared a similar sentiment, “It was a great experience. The Herding Group has been particularly strong this year. I just wish I had more ribbons.”

Between these groups, there was never a dull moment thanks to a run-off between the 2026 Masters Agility champion, “Prove-It,” the Border Collie, and “Iron Man,” the 2026 All-American winner. There was also an electrifying Flyball showdown. Later, the Westminster Legends showcase ensured there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. With that, the first day of Conformation was complete, four slots in the Best in Show lineup were filled, and anticipation for the next day was palpable. 

Night Two

After a fruitful day of Sporting, Terrier, and Working breed judging, as well as the remainder of Junior Showmanship preliminaries, night two kicked off with Best Junior Handler. Judged by Westminster icon Mr. Michael Faulkner of Center Cross, Virginia, Best Junior is a unique competition in which eight handlers under 18 years of age compete for First through Fourth and over $20,000 in scholarships. Unlike a traditional dog competition, each competitor is evaluated on their overall presentation, awareness, grooming, and breed-specific knowledge rather than the dog’s conformation. This year’s winner was Hadrian Towell and Simon, his Manchester Terrier. When asked about his incredible win, Hadrian said, “I hope to create a dog good enough to give to another junior, as my mentor did for me.” A moving testament to the dedication and integrity the future of our sport will carry forward.

The second night of Group judging began with the Sporting Group, judged by Mr. Douglas Johnson. Mr. Johnson has had many incredible Westminster wins, himself, as the breeder of three Sporting Group winners, two of which went on to win Best in Show. He judged the group efficiently before selecting his winner: Cota, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, handled by Devon Kipp Levy. After her win, Devon was near speechless, pausing before her reply, “This moment is what we dream of and all strive for. To represent the breed, here, with a dog that could be in the field tomorrow is what a sporting dog is all about.” Sporting expert Mr. Johnson remarked, “Great time; wonderful dogs. I loved it.”

Up next was the Working Group, judged by Mrs. Sioux Forsyth-Green. Mrs. Forsyth-Green is a third-generation conformation exhibitor and now judge. Westminster is in her DNA, as her parents are the only married couple to have both won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show. This year, she presided over a wonderful group of working dogs, including the newly recognized Danish Swedish Farmdog, which notably made the cut in the group. Her ultimate selection was Penny, the Doberman Pinscher, handled by Andy Linton, who is no stranger to the Westminster Best in Show ring. This group win marked his third with a Doberman, winning in both 1988 and 1989 with Ch. Royal Tudor’s Wild As The Wind, Indy, who would go on to win Best in Show in 1989. Of her incredible assignment, Mrs. Forsyth-Green decidedly said, “It was amazing. Donald [Sturz] told us judging Best in Show here ruins you for all other dog shows, but even judging a breed does.”

The final group of the 2026 Westminster Dog Show was the Terrier Group, judged by Mrs. Polly Smith. Mrs. Smith has been a fancier since the ‘60s and has both shown and judged at Westminster countless times, including the Hound Group in 2017. This year, she awarded the Terrier Group to Wager, the Smooth Fox Terrier, handled by Amy Rutherford. Wager was breeder-owner-handled by Amy, and he is the eighth generation of her breeding program. When asked what this win meant to her, Amy had one word: “Everything.” Of her assignment, Mrs. Smith said, “It was fabulous. Outstanding terriers.” 

With the conclusion of the Terrier Group, all seven slots in Best in Show were decided. In Madison Square Garden, the energy was palpable as Zaida, the Afghan, and handler Wilmer waited to enter the ring. With a roaring crowd and an announcement from Michael LaFave, they were off, circling the entire ring, spotlight illuminating the pair. Next came Graham, the Old English Sheepdog, followed by Penny the Doberman Pinscher, Cota the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, JJ the Lhasa Apso, Wager the Smooth Fox Terrier, and Cookie the Maltese. The crowd was electric with every dog, cheering and screaming for their favorites and even chanting the names of the dogs. Watching Best in Show was invigorating and rejuvenating, as on that day, any one of those seven dogs could have come home with the big ribbon. 

As Mr. David Fitzpatrick of East Berlin, Pennsylvania, stepped to the center to make his final decisions, he delivered this moving speech: “They often say ‘what a great lineup,’ but this one will go down in history. I’d like to congratulate The Westminster Kennel Club on their 150th dog show. 150 years of excellence, tradition, history, and bringing us all together. This is my 53rd year. I have been here as an assistant handler, a handler, a breeder-owner-handler, a spectator, and also as a ring steward. And this year, I have the absolute honor of being a judge.” As Mr. Fitzpatrick, a Westminster Best in Show winner, himself, looked at the lineup, he raised his yellow rosette, “Reserve Best in Show, at the 150th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, goes to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever!” Cota bounded into the middle of the ring as Devon Kipp Levy accepted her ribbon and turned to her beloved partner. Cota was all smiles, jumping and spinning before sitting and holding his ribbon in his mouth—a true representation of this all-American retriever. 

Thunderous applause echoed through The Garden for Devon and Cota, before silence once again fell, for Mr. Fitzpatrick continued, “I would be remiss without thanking the breeders who produced these dogs that are here tonight. Their dedication and acceptance of the challenge to breed happy, healthy dogs for pets, as well as dogs we enjoy here at the show, is so commendable.” He paused, took one last look, and held the ribbon out, “Best in Show at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the Doberman Pinscher.”

The crowd erupted as live moments became history. For the second time in his career, Andy Linton had done it, Best in Show at Westminster with a Doberman Pinscher. Penny was quite simply flawless. She demanded attention, respect, and adoration, all of which her handler matched in perfect, practiced stride. They were undeniable. When asked about the magic of Penny, Andy replied, “You can’t attribute [her win] to one thing, but she is as great a Doberman as I’ve ever seen. To be in there with those dogs, as the judge pointed out, this may be the best lineup you could ever imagine for Westminster. It’s truly an honor to win under a judge who is so renowned.” With that, a new Westminster champion was crowned, and a legacy was cemented. 

Everything

Throughout Westminster week, the word “everything” was a constant in my mind. It reminded me to slow down and to take in the magic that is Westminster, and how lucky I am to have immersed myself in such a world. For the exhibitors, breeders, handlers, spectators, assistants, ring stewards, judges, and club members who come together annually to celebrate our canine companions, Westminster is everything. 

As we look back at 150, we instead look forward to 150 more years of longstanding tradition, legacy, and evolution. To the longtime friends who celebrate together after months apart. To the lifetime memories made, win or lose. And to the unending camaraderie, support, endurance, and resilience of our canine community, to have made such an event possible for 150 consecutive years. As we reflect upon the legacy, we are reminded that Westminster is not defined by a single night, single winner, or even a single generation, but by the people and dogs who diligently return year after year. Here’s to continuing to be “everything” for those who hold Westminster dear, and to 150 more years, honoring the past, embracing the present, and stepping boldly into the next chapter.