Westminster Wrap-Up

With the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show wrapping up about a week ago, I’m sure you’ve seen and read plenty of show highlights by now. In case you missed it, though, dogs took over Manhattan for the first time in five years on February 8th, 10th, and 11th. Breeds of all different shapes and sizes could be spotted in your favorite hotels, parks, and cafes as they flocked to New York City for the dog show. The Empire State Building and famed Madison Square Garden were both illuminated in Westminster’s famous purple and gold, a sight that was truly awe-inspiring, whether you were a first-timer or veteran exhibitor or spectator. When thinking about the Westminster Dog Show this year, I immediately think of the Group winners, the portion you briefly see on TV, but there is so much more than the few hours of televised content.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show began on February 8th with the Canine Celebration, where our beloved companions were certainly celebrated. I walked into the Javits Center with no expectations because the last time the Westminster Dog Show was in the city, it was held at Piers 92/94. But, I was truly blown away. Javits had become Westminster. From its beautiful glass entrance to its purple carpet, which reflected marvelously onto the ceiling, to the Sensation statue welcoming us in the entryway, Westminster had returned. Yet, you didn’t even have to walk into Javits to see this, you could simply look at the billboards around the city, at the dogs flooding the streets, or listen to the excited locals asking, “Is the show back?” That was more than enough.

Before this year, I had never attended Westminster as “just” a spectator, but I was determined to make the most of it. So, at 7:00 am, I was there, ensuring I wouldn’t miss a moment of the packed day featuring Agility, Obedience, Flyball, and various demonstrations.

At 7:30 am sharp, the first Agility competitor entered the ring in a blur. Westminster had begun. What immediately caught my eye, though, wasn’t the speed and accuracy of the dogs flying across the ring or the handlers in step and yelling precise commands, it was the teams’ unyielding bonds.Run after run, I watched as each team celebrated with fierce intensity and emotion. I watched as dogs were hugged, spun, and lifted off the ground in excitement. I watched as they played tug of war with the lead. I even watched as a dog tried to run an extra obstacle or two, so in love with the sport that they were not done competing. More than anything, I saw each animal’s deep love for the course and eagerness to please their handlers. And, I saw each handler’s love and connection for their animal, whether or not their run was a success or failure. Quite a few times, I watched as dogs missed a jump or tried to go into a tunnel too early. This singular mistake often cost the teams their shot at the championship, but all I saw from the handlers were gentle redirections and laughs, and a deep understanding that at the end of the day, these animals are simply the best of companions, win or lose.

This theme continued across the building to the Obedience and Flyball rings, which were true opposites. Despite the excitement of Westminster, the Obedience ring existed in its own bubble of tranquility, with handlers and dogs so in tune with each other it was like there were no others in the room. These teams excelled in the course, with dogs impeccably and eagerly executing their handlers’ commands to sit, stay, retrieve, and pick up “articles.” But their seriousness and calmness were broken as soon as the judge called time, with each team breaking into celebration. I was overcome with admiration observing these handlers’ connections with their animals, and the true depth of love and respect their dogs possess to be so eager to please and so excellent in skill.

In contrast, the Flyball ring was electric! Before this day, I had never had the opportunity to see Flyball live and in action, but it certainly didn’t disappoint. Unlike any other competition at Westminster, Flyball is a team sport consisting of four dogs and four handlers per run. And more than any other competition, these dogs were fired up! Handler and dog teams spun around playing tug of war together with rope toys as a cacophony of barking sounded around, each gearing up for their opportunity to run. And when these dogs ran, you could blink and miss their performance. I’d never seen such speed and drive from a group of dogs before. The camaraderie at this ring was also astounding, with each team wearing matching shirts along with their massive support teams. It seemed, here, that despite the competition, teams were truly excited for the opportunity to trial their dogs, and this feeling shone through, reciprocated by plenty of cheers and applause from spectators and competitors. In my brief time spectating, I watched as families pointed out different breeds of dogs, laughed and exclaimed as the dogs hopped over hurdles, and admired the fun and creative team shirts. That, to me, was what this ring was all about—fun—and for that, I’d say this year’s inaugural Flyball Tournament was a success.

I also took the time on this “less busy” day to explore all that Javits had to offer, including the Westminster merchandise store and vendors. If you haven’t yet made it to the merch store, you’re missing out. By Monday, items were flying off the shelves and the store was packed. From dog collars to sweatshirts to hats and mugs, the merchandise is truly irresistible. I made it out unscathed this year, but not without telling at least ten other people shopping how amazing the Westminster blanket I purchased years ago is. It’s made out of sweatshirt material. Just go touch it next year, but only if you’ve saved some extra room in your suitcase.

By Monday, the first dog show day had arrived, and with hoards of spectators flooding the building, New York also agreed—Westminster was back.

The Westminster Conformation events were just as magnificent as I remembered, if not more. If you didn’t attend yourself, I’ll give a super brief wrap-up. The breeds with the highest entries were Dachshunds (52), Poodles (44), French Bulldogs (40), Chihuahuas (39), and Golden Retrievers (38). The ring with the most excitement was the Afghan Hound ring, as top competitors battled it out for the coveted Best of Breed ribbon. My “hidden gem” of the entire event was the Junior Showmanship competition. With such depth of young talent, the judges truly didn’t have enough ribbons to go around.

What I love the most about watching the breed judging is how much each judge appears to enjoy their assignment. While the judges exercise deep thoughtfulness when selecting and examining each dog, they also often like to make it into a bit of a show, running off top competitors, making cuts, or lining up placements backward, waiting until the last possible moment to award the title of Best of Breed. The crowd and I ate it up every time, sitting at the edge of our seats and screaming as judges pointed and ribbons were awarded. This excitement continued well into the evening portion of the show for the Group judging, back at Madison Square Garden for the first time in five years.

Sitting on the floor of MSG, waiting for the first groups to walk in was a feeling like no other. I found myself looking around at the fullness of the crowd and at all of the Westminster Kennel Club members who worked so tirelessly to make this incredible feat happen. And when that first dog ran onto the carpet and the screams erupted, it was impossible to not be emotional. After 149 years, the show stood the test of time, and it was finally home. It was surreal.

This feeling continued throughout the night and spanned into Tuesday as more and more group winners were crowned. It crescendoed when the announcers welcomed in “Best in Show” and the dogs streamed in. First in line was the German Shepherd Dog, “Mercedes,” followed by the Giant Schnauzer, “Monty,” the English Springer Spaniel, “Freddie,” the Whippet, “Bourbon,” the Bichon Frise, “Neal,” the Skye Terrier, “Archer,” and the Shih Tzu, “Comet.”

Each of these dogs has a remarkable story, with four of them having won a Group at Westminster before. Still, every handler had a dream come true that evening, and that is the magic of Westminster.

For Mercedes, she was following her stunning Group win and Reserve Best in Show the year before. Monty entered the Best in Show ring as a three-time Westminster Group winner—a feat for the history books. Freddie finished 2024 as the #1 Sporting dog, an incredible achievement. Bourbon had already written her place in the history books as a two-time Westminster Group winner and Reserve Best in Show winner in 2020 and 2021. Comet was the 2023 and 2024 #1 Toy dog and 2024 Westminster Group winner.

Neal also had an incredible 2024, ending as a Top 5 Non-Sporting dog, but his true feat was in his love for his handler and the ring. Longtime Bichon handler Lisa Bettis told us after her win that she had been ill the night before and attributed her win to Neal’s steadfast determination. “Neal was holding me up. Without him, we could not have gotten it done. He was my support.” Beyond being highly successful as show dogs, each of these dogs has a deep bond with their handlers. Together, they become one, anticipating the other’s every move and picking up the slack when needed. Neal was there for Lisa that night, making their success possible.

At the end of the day, all of these dogs are pets first, especially Archer, the Skye Terrier shown by Antionelle Vulpis. Unlike the other competitors in the Best in Show ring, Antoinelle is not a professional. Instead, she is a highly dedicated owner-handler, and one of my highlights of the evening was watching her as the judge examined Archer on the table. When the camera panned to the team, the crowd erupted, and Antionelle looked up at the cheering crowd with a look of humbling awe and deep appreciation. It was magical and a reminder of the scope of accomplishment we witnessed this week.

When these seven glorious dogs lined up on the floor and Judge Paula Nykiel took to the floor with her ribbon, I could not imagine being in her shoes. How could one even make such a decision? But in less than fifteen minutes she had.

For the 2025 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, she awarded Bourbon, the Whippet, Reserve Best in Show. Then came the moment we’d all been waiting for. I was on the edge of my seat as Mrs. Nykiel announced, “For Best in Show at the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, I choose the Giant Schnauzer.”

Somehow, Monty knew he had won. While handler Katherine Bernardin covered her eyes with her palm, overcome with emotion, Monty was bouncing and playing, his alert and captivating eyes exclaiming, “Mom, we did it!” And did it they had. After three consecutive group wins, Monty the Giant Schnauzer reigned supreme. Still emotional, Katie retrieved her ribbon and posed for the cameras, praising Monty, “He always tries so hard for me. He just never stops, and I’m so proud of him.” In response, Monty gave the crowd the most glorious of poses, ever the show dog, but in his eyes, there was love and softness for his dance partner and handler. For after three years, Monty had given the performance of a lifetime, an undeniable one at that.

While Katie, and Bourbon’s handler Cheslie, will be returning home with their ribbons and their lifelong memories, they will also be headed home with their beloved pets. When asked about Monty, Katie said, “He is our pet and our family” and Cheslie shared a similar sentiment, saying, “Bourbon is our pet and companion. More than winning and losing, we’ve made so many memories.” As 2021 Westminster Best in Show judge Pat Trotter declared, “Not every pet is a show dog, but rest assured every show dog is a pet.” And this year, this couldn’t have been more true. Whether taking home a Best in Show winner, a Best of Breed winner, or even just a participant in the events, everyone took home the best dog.

This year, I truly experienced it all—from the first dog’s run Saturday morning, to Best in Show at Madison Square Garden late Tuesday night. For three days, I lived and breathed Westminster. And, I couldn’t have felt more grateful for that. I watched as there were tears, heartbreak, and success, as teams made history, and as longtime friends reconnected. This, and more, is the spirit of Westminster. When I arrived back in my hotel room overlooking Madison Square Garden painted in purple and gold, a feeling of humility took over me, for how lucky we are to live with the companionship of such marvelous animals and to attend such a historic event. More than anything, Westminster is and always has been the place where dreams come true, and there is no feeling like these dreams coming to life in the city that never sleeps.