Westminster Dog Show

The Westminster Dog Show, formerly known as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, is a historical event that began in 1877.

It was initiated by a group of dog enthusiasts in New York City, who gathered at a Manhattan hotel bar to share stories about their hunting dogs. This group went on to establish the Westminster Kennel Club, named after the hotel where they met.

The club’s first dog show took place in what was then known as Gilmore’s Garden, later becoming the famous Madison Square Garden.

Originally planned as a three-day event, its popularity extended it to four days. Over the years, the show evolved, moving venues before settling back at Madison Square Garden, where it became a staple event and has been held almost annually.

“Best in Show,” the highest award at the Westminster Dog Show, was first introduced in 1907. This prize was awarded to a smooth fox terrier named Warren Remedy, who won it three times consecutively—a record that still stands.

The event has grown in scale and prestige, becoming a critical showcase for the finest purebred dogs, from pointers to terriers, all competing for top honors in what many consider the “Super Bowl of dog shows.” Today, the show is one of the oldest continuous sporting events in the United States, second only to the Kentucky Derby.

It’s a major event not just for the dog community in America but globally, attracting thousands of dogs and handlers who compete in various categories​.