Westminster Dog Show 2025: Photos behind the scenes

Things are finally back to normal for Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Or at least as normally as expected for an event that contains more than 2,500 dogs flooding in Midtown Manhattan to compete for the coveted title Best in Show.

Traditionally a winter event held in Madison Square Garden – since before the room even had this name – Westminster was thoroughly disturbed by the pandemic. For two years it moved all the way out of New York City, where the event was held in Lyndhurst, a property in suburban Tarrytown. And for the past two years it took up stay in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. It was also moved to warmer months in the hope of limiting the spread of Covid.

But for the 149th edition of the event that began on Saturday with a number of competitions testing some dogs agility and obedience, the show is back to February and back to Midtown. The initial stages of race and group judgment are held in Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, and the main event – best in show – is scheduled for Tuesday night in the garden.

Getting ready for the show involves a lot of work, both from humans and dogs.

The wide range of dogs requires a wide range of seating. Nun, a Borzoi, grabbed a nice big platform for a break with her trades and owner, Kelley Davis, while Tova, a Shih Tzu, just needed a part of Judy Harding’s lap.

Before the dogs go under the microscope of judging, they are stabbed and supported and vacuumed and inspected.

The dogs competing in Westminster all have extremely formal names, indicating their pedigree and breeder’s name, but they also have nicknames that are often much more fun. Consider: Elvis Presley The Cocker Spaniel and Falkor Brussels Griffon.

Only the most devoted dog fans drive to the early stages of Westminster, which means that dog-related accessories and clothing are extremely common.