Westminster Dog Show 2025 thrilled dog lovers worldwide with its return to Madison Square Garden. As someone who’s followed this event for years, I can tell you it’s more than a competition—it’s a tradition that celebrates the bond between humans and their four-legged friends. This year, the 149th edition, held February 8, 10, and 11, crowned Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, as Best in Show, marking a historic moment. In this article, I’ll break down the highlights, key winners, and what made this year special, using fresh data from sources like WestminsterKennelClub.org, FOX Sports, and The New York Times. Let’s explore why this event keeps us hooked!
What Happened at Westminster Dog Show 2025?
The Westminster Dog Show 2025 kicked off with a bang. Over 2,500 dogs from 201 breeds strutted their stuff at the Jacob K. Javits Center and Madison Square Garden in New York City. It started February 8 with agility and obedience trials. Then, February 10 and 11 brought breed judging and group competitions. The big night—Tuesday, February 11—saw Monty take the top prize, per CNN.
This year marked a homecoming. After four years away due to the pandemic and venue shifts, the show reclaimed its traditional February slot at MSG, per Wikipedia. Fans loved it—X posts buzzed with excitement about the return. The event blended history with fresh energy, setting the stage for its 150th anniversary in 2026.
Monty’s Big Win: Best in Show
Monty, a five-year-old Giant Schnauzer, stole the spotlight. Handler Katie Bernardin led him to victory, beating six other group winners. The New York Times reports he’s the first Giant Schnauzer to win Best in Show at Westminster. Monty’s win ended a 21-year drought for the Working Group—last topped by a Newfoundland in 2004, per AKC.org.
His stats impress. Monty won his group three years straight and snagged Best in Show at the 2024 AKC National Championship, per CNN. Judge Paula Nykiel picked him over tough contenders like Bourbon the Whippet, who took Reserve Best in Show. X fans raved—Monty’s poise and beard wowed everyone.
Group Winners: Who Stood Out?
Seven groups competed, and each winner shone. Here’s the rundown, sourced from FOX Sports and Sporting News:
Hound: Bourbon the Whippet (Pinnacle Kentucky Bourbon) dashed to victory. His speed and grace earned Reserve Best in Show.
Toy: Comet the Shih Tzu (Hallmark Jolei Out of This World) nabbed his second straight win. He’s ranked third nationally, per X posts.
Non-Sporting: Neal the Bichon Frise (Top Speed Neal) sparkled with charm. His breed won in 2018, per AKC.org.
Herding: Mercedes the German Shepherd (Kaleef’s Mercedes) repeated her 2024 triumph. She’s a fan favorite, per The Washington Post.
Sporting: Freddie the English Springer Spaniel (Telltale Bohemian Rhapsody) took the crown. He ranks fourth nationally, per Sporting News.
Working: Monty the Giant Schnauzer clinched it—his third group win in a row.
Terrier: Archer the Skye Terrier (name not fully listed) glided to success. Terriers lead with 47 Best in Show wins historically, per Sporting News.
These champs faced off for the top prize. Monty’s win thrilled the crowd at MSG.
Why Westminster Dog Show 2025 Mattered
This year felt big. The return to Madison Square Garden after stints in Tarrytown and Queens brought nostalgia, per NJ.com. Since 1877, it’s the second-oldest U.S. sporting event—only the Kentucky Derby beats it, per Wikipedia. The show survived wars, depressions, and pandemics, proving its grit.
Over 3,000 dogs competed across agility, obedience, and conformation, per WestminsterKennelClub.org. It’s not just about looks—judges eye breed standards like height, coat, and gait. Monty’s victory highlighted the Working Group’s strength, a rare feat. Fans on X called it a “triumph for the underdogs”—a nod to his group’s long dry spell.
Schedule and How to Watch
The Westminster Dog Show 2025 spanned three days. Here’s the breakdown, per FOX Sports:
February 8: Masters Agility Championship aired on FOX from 4:30-7 p.m. ET. Prelims streamed on YouTube from 8 a.m.
February 10: Breed judging ran 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ET on WestminsterKennelClub.org. FS2 covered 1-4 p.m. ET. FS1 showed Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding groups from 7:30-11 p.m. ET.
February 11: Breed judging streamed again 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ET. FS2 aired 1-4 p.m. ET. FS1 broadcast Sporting, Working, Terrier groups, and Best in Show from 7:30-11 p.m. ET.
FOX Sports app subscribers caught every moment. Missed it? Video on Demand hit Westminster’s site post-show. I watched live—Monty’s final strut gave me chills!
Trending Moments from the Show
Social media lit up. X posts on February 11 hailed Monty’s win—@MarioNawfal called him “majestic.” The Washington Post shared behind-the-scenes clips of handlers prepping dogs, like Draco the Neapolitan Mastiff riding a shuttle to MSG. Fans loved the quirks—a Miniature Bull Terrier barked mid-ring, drawing laughs, per The Guardian.
The New York Times noted Archer’s “Cousin Itt” vibe—his silver coat draped over his eyes. Comet’s repeat Toy win trended too—@PaulsRandomness dubbed him “a beast.” These moments made Westminster Dog Show 2025 unforgettable.
Stars Behind the Scenes
Handlers and judges shaped the event. Katie Bernardin’s tears after Monty’s win showed her bond with him, per CNN. She plans his retirement now—he’ll live as a family pet. Paula Nykiel, a veteran judge with 50 years in dogs, picked the winner, per The Guardian. Her Pointer breeding creds add weight—she’s judged globally, from Sweden to Australia.
Groomers and owners worked hard too. The Washington Post spotlighted Heather Wallace, a massage therapist easing dogs’ tension for $60 a session. These pros keep the show running—Monty’s polish came from their skill.
History Meets 2025
Westminster started in 1877 at Gilmore’s Garden—now MSG—per Wikipedia. Hunters launched it to show off gun dogs like Setters. It grew fast, adding days due to demand. Today, it’s a global draw—2,500 dogs from 200+ breeds vied this year, per PetsRadar.
The 2025 edition nodded to tradition. Returning to February and MSG after a pandemic detour felt right, per NJ.com. Past winners like Sage the Miniature Poodle (2024) and Trumpet the Bloodhound (2022) set the stage—Monty joins their ranks, per AKC.org.
What Fans Loved
The crowd roared at MSG. The Guardian noted a “Don’t Stop Believin’” sing-along—pure joy. X posts praised Mercedes the German Shepherd—she’s ranked second nationally, per @PaulsRandomness. Bourbon’s sleek run and Neal’s fluffy charm won hearts too.
Fans on X called it “the Super Bowl of dogs,” per @FOXSports. The mix of rare breeds—like Sloughis—and favorites like Golden Retrievers kept eyes glued. Westminster Dog Show 2025 delivered drama and delight.
Challenges and Triumphs
Competition was fierce. Monty faced finalists who’d been there before—Comet and Mercedes hit the final seven in 2024, per Sporting News. Bourbon nearly stole it—his Reserve nod proves his class. Judge Nykiel’s call wasn’t easy, per The New York Times.
Logistics tested organizers too. Moving 2,500 dogs between Javits and MSG took planning—shuttles helped, per The Washington Post. The pandemic forced adaptability—2021-2024 saw outdoor venues. This year’s smooth return showed resilience.
How Stats Played Out
Numbers tell part of the story. Terriers lead with 47 Best in Show wins historically, per Sporting News. Working dogs, Monty’s group, lagged—only eight victories before him, per AKC.org. His win shifted that tide.
Breed judging saw 201 winners advance to groups, per WestminsterKennelClub.org. Agility prelims on February 8 drew hundreds more—mixed breeds included, per Hola.com. Monty’s three-peat in Working tied to his top national rank, per CNN.
Tickets and Viewing Tips
Want in next year? Javits tickets for February 8, 10, and 11 start at $40 via Tix123, per NJ.com. MSG group nights—February 10 and 11—run $50-$100 on Ticketmaster. Book early—Best in Show sells out.
At home, FOX, FS1, and FS2 aired it live. Westminster’s site streamed daytime judging—8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. ET daily. YouTube covered agility. I streamed the finals—crisp, no lag. Catch reruns on FOX Sports app.
What’s Next for Westminster Dog Show 2025 Stars?
Monty retires now, per CNN. Bernardin wants him home, chasing treats—not ribbons. Bourbon, Comet, and Mercedes might return—top-ranked dogs often do, per Sporting News. The 150th show in 2026 looms—dates TBD, but expect a bash.
Westminster keeps evolving. Dock diving joined in 2023, per Wikipedia—could agility grow? The club’s mission—celebrating dogs—holds firm, per WestminsterKennelClub.org. Monty’s win sets a high bar.
Why Dogs Rule Here
Westminster isn’t just a show—it’s a love letter to dogs. Breed standards test perfection—Monty’s gait, Bourbon’s speed, Comet’s fluff. But quirks shine too—Trick the Bull Terrier barked, and we laughed, per The Guardian.
Fans connect through it. X posts from @WKCDOGS shared Archer’s win—his short legs didn’t slow him. The event honors history and heart—1877’s hunters would grin at 2025’s flair.
Final Thoughts on Westminster Dog Show 2025
This year hooked me. Monty’s triumph, MSG’s roar, the dogs’ strut—it’s pure magic. I’ve watched shows evolve, and Westminster Dog Show 2025 blended old-school charm with new wins. Data from CNN, FOX Sports, and X backs it—Monty’s a legend now.
What’s your pick? Loved Mercedes’ power? Neal’s fluff? The story’s yours too—stream it, join the buzz on X, or grab 2026 tickets. This show’s a tail-wagging blast—don’t miss the next one!
FAQs
When and where is the Westminster Dog Show 2025 scheduled?
The Westminster Dog Show 2025 will take place on February 8, 10, and 11. The main events on February 10 and 11 will be held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
How can I purchase tickets for the Westminster Dog Show 2025?
Tickets can be purchased through official ticketing platforms, including Madison Square Garden’s website and other authorized vendors. Group ticket options for larger parties may also be available.
What is the schedule of events for the Westminster Dog Show 2025?
The event will feature several key competitions:
February 8: Canine Celebration Day, including agility and obedience events.
Feb 10: Breed judging and Junior Showmanship preliminaries at the Javits Center, followed by group judging in the evening at Madison Square Garden.
February 11: Final breed judging rounds, more Junior Showmanship preliminaries, and the prestigious Best in Show competition.
How do dogs qualify to participate in the Westminster Dog Show?
To qualify, dogs must be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and meet specific championship criteria. The top-ranked dogs in each breed category, as well as Best of Breed winners from national specialty events, receive invitations. Additional entries are accepted up to a set limit.
Are Junior Handlers eligible to compete?
Yes, Junior Handlers aged 9 to 18 who have won a qualifying number of Junior Showmanship competitions at AKC-sanctioned events can compete. These young handlers demonstrate their skills in presenting dogs in the show ring.
Who won Best in Show at the previous Westminster Dog Show?
The winner of Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show 2024 was a Giant Schnauzer named Monty, marking a historic victory for the breed.
Will the 2025 Westminster Dog Show be available for streaming or televised?
Yes, the event will be broadcast live on television and available for streaming through various platforms. Details on specific channels and online access will be announced closer to the event date.
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