The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the ‘Super Bowl’ of Dog Shows

At America’s 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Monty the giant schnauzer won the top prize.

The lively schnauzer beat six other finalists in New York City to become the first of his breed to win Westminster’s “best in show.” The prize is the most important and respected in the U.S. dog show world.

While Monty came close to winning Westminster the past two years, he fell short of the big prize. In December 2024, the dog won another big prize, the huge American Kennel Club championship.

But for dog show lovers, Westminster is considered the Super Bowl of all shows. This year the comparison is especially fitting. That is because the most respected U.S. dog competition opened on the same weekend as the Super Bowl -- the most important game in American professional football. This rare happening came after the dates of both competitions changed in recent years.

At Westminster, dogs first compete against other members of their breed. Then, the winner of each breed goes up against other dogs within different competition “groups.” Among the groups are sporting, working, toy, and herding. Group winners then compete in the final round.

The best in show winner gets an award – a large, shiny cup called a trophy – and a place in dog-world history. The top prize, however, does not include money.

In her report on the dog show, Learning English’s Caty Weaver explains that the Westminster show dates back to 1877. It centers on the traditional purebred judging that leads to the best in show prize. But over the last few years, the organization has added agility and obedience events open to mixed-breed dogs.

In 2024, Sage, a miniature poodle, won best in show at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club dog show.

And in 2023, a petit basset griffon Vendéen, named Buddy Holly, won best in show at Westminster. The breed he represents is known for its rabbit-hunting abilities.

I’m Anna Matteo.

Writers for the Associated Press reported this story from New York. Anna Matteo adapted the reports for VOA Learning English.

giant –adj. something unusually large or powerful

finalist –n. a contestant in a competition finals

breed –n. a particular kind of dog, cat, horse, etc.

fall short (of something) –phrase fail to meet an expectation or standard for something

herd –v. to move animals or people in a group

agility –n. the quality or state of being ability to move with quick easy grace

obedience –n. an act or instance of taking commands

miniature –adj. something small of its kind

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