Disclaimer: This article is for general information only, schedules and broadcast details can change at short notice. Always confirm the latest updates on the official event pages and your TV listings before you plan your viewing.
If you are trying to follow the Westminster Dog Show in 2026, the simplest plan is this, check the official viewing schedule for the latest start time, then decide whether you will watch on cable (FOX network, FS1, FS2) or stream (FOX Sports, foxsports.com, FOX Sports app).
This guide also breaks down categories, group order, and where to find results and highlights.
Last updated, Feb 3, 2026.
2026 schedule, dates, and start times
The 2026 Westminster Kennel Club dog show runs across multiple days, with different events happening at different venues and times. Expect the main flow to include breed judging, group judging, and the finals leading into Best in Show night.
Quick schedule snapshot (what happens each day)
- Breed judging blocks (breed judging), this is where dogs compete within their breed first
- Group judging (group judging), winners from each breed advance into their group
- Finals day, culminating in Best in Show
- Side competitions can include the Masters Agility Championship, plus Junior Showmanship
People commonly search things like, when does judging start, what day is the finals, and how many days is the dog show. The easiest way to stay accurate is to treat the official viewing schedule as the source of truth, then work backwards to your own plan.
Time zone notes for US viewers
Listings are often posted in Eastern Time, so do a quick time zone conversion (ET) to match CT, MT, or PT. This matters if someone is asking what time does the Westminster Kennel Club dog show start, or what time is Best in Show.
Where the event is held, venue and tickets
If someone asks where is the Westminster Kennel Club dog show held, the 2026 edition returns to New York City, with major portions at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Madison Square Garden. For venue information and ticket information, check the event guide and venue pages for entry rules, seating, and day-of details.
How to watch the Westminster Dog Show on TV in the USA
TV coverage in the USA is carried across FOX Sports properties, typically on the FOX network plus FS1 and FS2, with a published TV schedule and broadcast times that vary by day.
That directly answers, what channel is the Westminster Kennel Club dog show on, and is it on FOX or FS1.
What channel is it on, FOX, FS1, and local listings
Start with your provider guide, then search the channel lineup for FOX network, FS1, and FS2. Examples of common providers include Xfinity, Spectrum, Verizon Fios, and Cox Communications.
A quick note on comparisons, people sometimes look for coverage on sports outlets like NBC Sports or USA Network because other events rotate networks by year. For this specific event, follow the official coverage announcements and your local listings.
Is it on TV today?
If the question is is the Westminster Kennel Club dog show on TV today, the safest approach is to confirm todays block in the viewing schedule, then match it to your live listings.
If you see a mismatch, trust the broadcaster listings for exact airtimes, and use the official schedule for the event flow.
Streaming options, how to watch live without cable
For cord-cutters asking where can I watch the Westminster Kennel Club dog show live, the main options are official streams and live TV streaming services. Availability depends on rights and your subscription, so treat this as cable vs streaming viewing, not a single guaranteed link.
Official and app-based streaming
Many viewers start with FOX Sports app access, plus foxsports.com, and follow the “how to watch on FOX Sports” route for day-by-day coverage. If you see “FOX Sports app stream” listed, it usually means you will need a participating TV provider login, or a streaming service that includes the channel.
Live TV streaming services people use
If someone asks is the Westminster Kennel Club dog show on Hulu Live, can I watch it on YouTube TV, or can I watch it on Sling, the answer is, sometimes, if your plan includes FOX network, FS1, or FS2 in your area.
Common options people check:
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- Sling TV
- Fubo
- DirecTV Stream
Free options and replays, what to expect
If the question is is the Westminster Kennel Club dog show free to watch, it depends on what you mean by “free”, some services offer trials, and some platforms may carry clips.
Tubi can show up in viewing schedules for re-airs or on-demand segments in some seasons, so it is worth checking, but do not assume every segment will be there. For where can I watch replays, the safest bet is official highlights and the broadcaster’s replay options.
Quick troubleshooting if the stream is not showing
- Refresh the schedule and confirm the start time in your time zone
- Update the app, re-login, and confirm your plan includes the channel
- Check whether your region affects live access
- If the stream is delayed, try the channel’s live page instead of a highlights page
Groups, categories, and judging order
This is where most confusion happens. People search westminster dog show categories, group order, and what is the group judging order because the night can move fast.
The 7 groups explained in plain English
In dog conformation, dogs are judged against breed standards, then advance into their group.
The categories (groups) are:
- Sporting Group
- Hound Group
- Working Group
- Terrier Group
- Toy Group
- Non Sporting Group
- Herding Group
If someone asks what groups compete first, the group order is posted in the official schedule, and it can vary by night.
Group judging times, what time is each group?
Viewers often ask, what time is the herding group, what time is the working group, what time is the hound group, what time is the sporting group, what time is the terrier group, what time is the toy group, and what time is the non sporting group.
The practical answer is, check the viewing schedule for exact blocks, then match that to your TV guide or stream. On coverage nights you will see items like Herding Group judging, Working Group judging, Hound Group judging, Sporting Group judging, Terrier Group judging, Toy Group judging, and Non Sporting Group judging listed as separate segments.
Breed judging, ring assignments, and judges
Before group judging, there is breed judging, which is where breed winners are selected. If you are looking for ring assignments, the Westminster Kennel Club typically publishes ring and judging details.
You may also see a breed list 2026 and judge rosters, which helps answer westminster dog show judges questions without relying on rumors. The American Kennel Club is often referenced for breed standards context, but this event is organized by the Westminster Kennel Club.
Best in Show night, what it is and when it happens
Best in Show is the final award, it comes after group winners have been decided. People ask what time is Best in Show and when is Best in Show night because the finals are appointment viewing.
The best in show time is tied to the broadcast window, so confirm it in your TV guide once the night’s group judging blocks are set.
Results, highlights, and where to check updates
For official outcomes, look for the Westminster Kennel Club dog show results page, then follow the broadcaster clips for westminster dog show highlights. FOX Sports also posts segment videos and recaps during the event.
Who are the announcers this year?
If you see searches like westminster dog show announcer or who are the announcers this year, use the broadcast notes or the official coverage announcement. Broadcaster lineups can change year to year, so it is better to verify than guess.
Bonus events you might care about
These are easy to miss if you only tune in for finals.
Junior Showmanship
Junior Showmanship spotlights young handlers, and viewers often look up the Junior Showmanship schedule when planning what to watch live.
Agility and Obedience
The agility competition schedule and obedience competition schedule can be separate from the main conformation coverage, or aired as dedicated segments, depending on the day and broadcaster plan.
Conclusion
The best way to enjoy the 2026 event is to treat it like a checklist, confirm dates, save the TV schedule, pick your streaming option, then learn the group order so the finals make sense. Bookmark the viewing schedule, check listings on the day, and you will not miss the big moments.
FAQs
Q1, When is the 2026 Westminster Kennel Club dog show?
It runs across late January and early February, confirm the exact days and venue details on the official site because schedules can update.
Q2, What channel is it on in the USA?
Coverage is typically on FOX network plus FS1 and FS2, always confirm with local listings.
Q3, Where can viewers stream it live?
Look for official streams via FOX Sports app and foxsports.com, or use a live TV streaming service plan that includes the right channels in your area.
Author bio
Ronan Kessler covers live-event viewing guides and schedules for US audiences, with a focus on making TV and streaming options easy to compare. Published by Ahmed Saeed
