How to Watch the 2025 Westminster Dog Show

Often imitated but never replicated, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, in its 149th year, is racing toward its conclusion. A group of New York Times journalists will be providing up-to-the-minute live analysis of the competition, in which seven group winners will face off at Madison Square Garden in hopes of capturing best in show.

What time does the show start?

The judging of breeds and groups began on Monday, but the final three groups, and best in show, will be decided in a prime-time event that starts at 7:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Where can you watch it?

The evening’s events, including a pregame show that begins at 7 p.m., will air on FS1 and will be streamed on the Fox Sports app. For people who enjoy a second-screen experience, there will be live coverage from New York Times reporters at the Garden.

What dogs will be competing?

Before best in show is decided, the judges will have to determine the winners of the sporting, working and terrier groups. The hound, toy, non-sporting and herding groups were decided on Monday, and the winner of each is in the running for best in show.

Why is this year interesting?

After four years away from the event’s traditional home, the main Westminster events are returning to Madison Square Garden. While Lyndhurst, an estate in suburban Tarrytown, and the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens both helped the organization get through the pandemic, nothing matches the energy of the arena the event has called home since 1877 (with shows having been held in all four incarnations of the Garden).

Who won last year?

Sage, a miniature poodle, took best in show last year, beating out a talented field.

Seriously though, is a golden retriever or a lab ever going to win?

Probably not. But that will only make them more lovable.