The 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is set to take place from January 31 to February 3, marking its 150th anniversary. This prestigious event, known as one of the longest-running sporting events in the United States, will be hosted at Madison Square Garden in New York City. More than 3,000 champion dogs from across the United States and 17 other countries will compete for the coveted title of Best in Show, which will be awarded on February 3.
The finale, scheduled for Tuesday from 19:30 to 23:00 ET, will feature a judging panel led by David Fitzpatrick, a two-time Best in Show winner and renowned Pekingese breeder. The competition includes various events held at the Javits Center, where dogs undergo agility tests and other challenges that showcase their skills.
In the days leading up to the final event, spectators can look forward to thrilling competitions such as flyball races, where teams of four dogs navigate obstacles and retrieve tennis balls. The winning dogs from the American Kennel Club’s seven recognized groups—sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting, and herding—will advance to the Best in Show round, which typically attracts millions of viewers each year.
Last year’s Best in Show winner, a five-year-old Giant Schnauzer named Monty, made history as the first of his breed to win the prestigious award. This year, breeds advancing to the finals include an Afghan Hound, a Maltese, a Lhasa Apso, and an Old English Sheepdog, with other qualifiers from the sporting, working, and terrier categories expected to be announced on the day of the event.
How to Watch the Westminster Dog Show Finale Online
For those unable to watch through traditional cable subscriptions, the 2026 Westminster Dog Show Best in Show event will air on FS1. There are several streaming options available for viewers looking to catch the action live.
DirecTV provides access to FS1 in most of its packages, including a variety of genre-specific options. All subscription tiers come with a five-day free trial, allowing viewers to enjoy the Best in Show announcement without any cost. After the trial period, plans start at $69.99 per month.
Fubo also carries FS1 in its Sports + News, Pro, and Elite plans, offering a five-day free trial and a first-month discount of up to $30 off. Monthly pricing begins at $55.99, with the basic package including 29 channels.
For those interested in a broader selection of channels, Hulu + Live TV includes FS1 among over 95 sports, news, and entertainment channels. Although its free trial is limited to three days, it provides enough time to watch the Westminster Dog Show finale live. The subscription costs $89.99 per month and includes Disney+.
Finally, Sling TV offers FS1 through its Blue, Select, and Orange + Blue packages, which provide popular channels like ABC and NBC as well. While Sling does not currently offer free trials, packages start at $29.99 per month, and new subscribers can receive a discount of “half off your first month” for Sling Orange + Blue.
A Brief History of the Westminster Dog Show
The Westminster Dog Show is organized annually by the Westminster Kennel Club, the oldest non-profit organization in the United States dedicated to dog shows. It began in the 19th century when a group of hunting enthusiasts gathered at the Westminster Hotel in New York to discuss dog-related topics, leading to the establishment of the event. The inaugural show took place in 1877, featuring 1,201 dogs, primarily hunting breeds.
The event has evolved significantly since its inception, expanding to include the American Kennel Club’s seven recognized groups. The Best in Show title was first awarded on a larger stage in 1907, and cash prizes were notably excluded from the rules. The competition made its television debut in 1948 and became available for streaming in 2005, attracting a global audience. That first year online, the Westminster Kennel Club reported a record 1.4 million streaming requests from viewers in 140 countries.
Terriers have historically been the most successful group at the Westminster Dog Show, with one Smooth Fox Terrier winning three consecutive titles between 1907 and 1909.
As the excitement builds for the 2026 Westminster Dog Show, dog lovers and enthusiasts worldwide are gearing up to witness the best canine talents compete for the prestigious Best in Show title.
