Westminster names four night one group winners at 150th show

Version 1 — Brief

The Westminster Kennel Club has announced the night one group winners at its 150th annual dog show, held February 2, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Hound Group went to Afghan Hound “Zaida” of Ingleside, Illinois; the Toy Group to Maltese “Cookie” of Hastings-on-Hudson, New York; the Non-Sporting Group to Lhasa Apso “JJ” of Manakin Sabot, Virginia; and the Herding Group to Old English Sheepdog “Graham” of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Westminster said more than 2,500 conformation entries were part of the milestone event, with over 3,000 dogs competing across Westminster Week activities. (res.cloudinary.com)

Why it matters: Westminster remains one of the most visible showcases for purpose-bred dogs, breeding programs, and professional handling, and its results can quickly influence breed visibility among pet parents and demand for certain breeds. For veterinary professionals, that can mean renewed client questions about breed-specific health issues, inherited disease screening, brachycephalic and orthopedic risks, grooming needs, and whether a breed’s show-ring popularity aligns with a household’s lifestyle and welfare needs. The event’s 150th anniversary also arrives amid continued scrutiny from animal welfare advocates over purebred health and breeding practices, keeping the public-health and client-education side of breed medicine very much in view. (apnews.com)

What to watch: The next step was Best in Show judging on February 3, after the Sporting, Working, and Terrier groups completed competition. (res.cloudinary.com)