The Westminster Kennel Club dog show, a hallmark of American sporting tradition, returns with its 2025 edition, promising a spectacular showcase of canine excellence. As the second oldest continuously held sporting event in the United States, it stands only behind the Kentucky Derby in terms of historical prestige. This year, over 2,500 dogs representing more than 200 breeds and varieties will vie for the coveted title of Best in Show. The event, taking place at Madison Square Garden, New York, will be nationally televised on FOX, FS1, and FS2, and available for streaming on FOXSports.com and the FOX Sports App.
Tonight's proceedings will see the Working Group take center stage in advance of the final showdown. This group boasts a roster of powerful and intelligent breeds, including the Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Black Russian Terrier. Also part of this elite lineup are the Portuguese Water Dog, Rottweiler, St Bernard, Samoyed, Siberian Husky, Standard Schnauzer, and Tibetan Mastiff. Known for their strength and alertness, the Working Group has historically produced 20 Best in Show winners.
The Sporting Group also captures the audience's attention with its crowd favorites. The Spinone Italiano, an ancient Italian gun dog, has garnered significant admiration. Other adored breeds include the Great Pyrenees, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Komondor, Kuvasz, Leonberger, and Mastiff.
Over the weekend, the Westminster agility championship added another layer of excitement to the event. An 8-year-old female Border Collie named Vanish outperformed a field of over 300 competitors to claim victory. Vanish's remarkable agility was evident as she posted the fastest clean round at 26.49 seconds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) highlights that their agility program sees over one million entries annually, underscoring the sport's popularity.
The Terrier Group holds the record for producing the most Best in Show winners with a total of 26. However, tonight's focus remains on the Working Group as they prepare to impress both judges and spectators alike. Judging for Best in Show is scheduled to commence at approximately 10:30 pm, concluding yet another thrilling chapter in the Westminster Kennel Club's storied history.