Westminster Dog Show 2025: Behind-the-Scenes Photos

Things are finally back to normal for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Or, at least as normal as can be expected for an event that features more than 2,500 dogs flooding into Midtown Manhattan to compete for the coveted title of best in show.

Traditionally a winter event held at Madison Square Garden — since before the venue even had that name — Westminster was thoroughly disrupted by the pandemic. For two years it moved out of New York City entirely, with the event being held at Lyndhurst, an estate in suburban Tarrytown. And for the last two years it took up residence at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. It was also moved to warmer months in hopes of limiting the spread of Covid.

But for the 149th edition of the event, which began on Saturday with a series of contests testing some dogs’ agility and obedience, the show is back to February and back to Midtown. The initial stages of breed and group judging are being held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and the main event — best in show — is slated for Tuesday night at the Garden.

Getting ready for the show involves a great deal of work, from humans and dogs alike.

Not much floor space is necessary when it comes to judging a group of pugs. But handlers hoping not to pick up the wrong dog would be wise to keep a hand on their leash.

The coats of the dogs at Westminster are luxurious enough to make anyone feel like they should rethink their hair care routine.

While blue booties are not the most flattering of accessories, they do help emphasize just how fluffy some of these dogs truly are.