The best doggos from around the country are set to take over New York City for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, at which hundreds of dog owners and all types of breeds (including brand-new ones) are primped and prepped to compete in agility and obedience challenges and for the highly coveted title of "Best in Show." This is one of the best NYC events in February, where spectators can join in on the excitement (after they’ve visited some dog-friendly restaurants or pampered them at one of the best pet-friendly hotels). And if you want to come face to face with the breeds, you can actually play with them at the AKC Meet the Breeds event in January.
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What is the Westminster Dog Show?
The Westminster Dog Show is a long-running competition for dogs, with Best in Breed winners advancing to the Group and Best in Show competition at Madison Square Garden. Spectators can watch the dogs compete as well as see them get primped for their show time backstage. You may see some dog breeds you never have before! (At last year's show, the Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes and Grand Bassett Griffon Vendeéns were recognized as a breed for the first time by the AKC.) Owners of show dogs often spend many thousands of dollars on training and grooming.
When is the Westminster Dog Show?
The Westminster Dog Show takes place on Saturday, January 31, Monday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Daytime breed juding sessions take place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from 8:30am to 4:30pm and evening sessions are located at Madison Sqare Garden from at 7:30pm on Monday and 7pm on Tuesday.
Where is the Westminster Dog Show?
The Westminster Dog Show is located at Madison Square Garden and Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
How do I get tickets to the Westminster Dog Show?
Tickets range from $35-$126 and can be purchased at the Westminster Kennel Club website or through Ticketmaster.
How can I meet the dogs?
This year, the AKC Meet the Breeds event isn't part of the competition week— falls on Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8 at the Javits Center. From 9am to 4pm at the Javits Center, you can pay as little as $12 to meet and play with hundreds of dogs, according to the AKC.
