Flyball returns to Westminster as canine sports gain visibility

The Flyball Tournament returned to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for the club’s milestone 150th event, bringing 20 North American teams back to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on January 31, 2026, as part of Westminster’s Canine Celebration. The event, now presented by Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements FortiFlora, followed flyball’s Westminster debut in 2025 and expanded the show’s effort to spotlight performance sports alongside conformation and agility. Westminster said the second annual tournament drew teams ranging from first-time entrant Furry FUNd$ to veteran team Some Ruff Competition, which is marking its 35th anniversary in 2026. Winners were crowned in four divisions: That’s So Fetch, Wicked Runners, Mass Chaos, and Jersey Shore Runners. (res.cloudinary.com)

Why it matters: For veterinary professionals, Westminster’s continued investment in flyball puts another high-visibility spotlight on canine sports medicine, conditioning, GI support, recovery, and injury prevention in working and performance dogs. It also broadens public exposure to team-based dog sports that include mixed-breed competitors, which can create more conversations in practice about safe training, fitness, and sport readiness for pet parents interested in activities beyond traditional conformation. (res.cloudinary.com)

What to watch: The next question is whether Westminster keeps growing flyball’s footprint after back-to-back years at Canine Celebration, especially as the event continues to position itself as a broader showcase for dog sports, not only breed judging. (westminsterkennelclub.org)