Introduction to the Westminster Dog Show
The prestigious canine event began on January 31 with the finals of the Agility Championship rounds, but there are two more days of competition to follow, leading to the show’s top prize: Best in Show. All dogs participating in the competition fit into one of seven categories: sporting dogs, hunting dogs, working dogs, terrier dogs, toy dogs, non-sporting dogs or herding dogs.
Competition Structure
They first compete in the Best in Breed competition, then in the Best in Group competition and finally in the Grand Prize competition. Luckily, you don’t have to be at Madison Square Garden to see the Showdogs in action.
When is the Westminster Dog Show?
The 2026 Westminster Dog Show began on January 31st and runs through February 2nd and 3rd.
How to Watch the Westminster Dog Show for Free
If you don’t have a cable, you’ll need a Live TV streaming service to stream the dog show for free. DIRECTV is a favorite service for free live TV – the five-day free trial includes FS1 and FS2. After the trial ends, pay just $69.99/month and get access to over 90 live channels. Sling TV is another affordable way to stream live television. The Sling Blue plan includes FS1 and starts at $19.99/month.
Westminster Dog Show 2026 TV Schedule
- Monday, February 2nd
- Breed judging and junior handling: 1-4pm ET (FS2)
- Group judging (hound, toy, non-sporting, herding groups): 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. ET (FS1)
- Tuesday, February 3rd
- Breed judging and junior handling: 1-4pm ET (FS2)
- Group judging (sport, work, terrier, best in show): 7:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. ET (FS1)
Location of the Westminster Dog Show 2026
Breed judging and preliminary rounds will take place at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York, New York. The group judging and Best in Show round will take place just a few blocks away at Madison Square Garden.
