How does the Westminster Dog Show work? Explaining the rules, groups, judging for 2026 competition

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show brings together thousands of dogs, all eager to compete for the prestigious Best In Show trophy. These talented dogs showcase amazing tricks, their agility, and obedience, and are carefully groomed to catch the judges' eyes.

As the second-longest-running sporting event, it will celebrate its 150th edition in 2026, marking a historic milestone.

So, how do the judges decide which dog is the very best? While they follow some strict rules, there's also room for their personal judgment to shine.

Let’s walk through the essentials of the rules, how the show works, and key details about the group categories and judging process.

MORE: Watch the Westminster Dog Show live on Fubo (free trial)

What are the groups in the Westminster Dog Show?

There are seven different groups of dogs in the show. They are as follows:

• Herding
• Working
• Hound
• Terrier
• Sporting
• Non-sporting
• Toy

These groups are designated to categorize breeds based on shared characteristics.

For instance, the herding category includes breeds developed specifically for herding and guarding livestock. Examples include corgis, sheepdogs and border collies.

Working dogs are classified as breeds that serve protective or assistive functions. This group includes many larger breeds, such as boxers, Great Danes and Rottweilers.

Hounds are distinguished by their keen scent-tracking abilities and wide range of vision. They frequently serve as hunting dogs and are bred to pursue prey.

Terriers constitute a diverse group that varies considerably in shape and size. Many of these breeds were developed for digging and hunting vermin.

Sporting dogs are also used in hunting; however, their primary role involves retrieving feathered game. Breeds such as retrievers, setters, spaniels and pointers fall into this category.

Conversely, non-sporting dogs are primarily valued as companions. Despite their varied backgrounds, these breeds share rich histories and distinctive physical features. This category includes breeds such as bulldogs and poodles.

Lastly, the toy category comprises lap dogs bred to provide affection and companionship. Well-known breeds in this classification include Chihuahuas, pugs and Shih Tzus. Notably, the winner of the 2021 Westminster Dog Show, Wasabi, is a Pekingese.

MORE: Full schedule for the 2026 Westminster Dog Show

What are the rules of the Westminster Dog Show?

The Westminster Kennel Club establishes standards that each breed is required to fulfill during the judging process. These standards are documented, maintained, and owned by the corresponding "national breed club" for each breed, and are subject to approval by the American Kennel Club.

What does this entail? Here's what Westminster Dog Show's website says about the judges' methodology.

Most standards describe the desired general appearance, movement, temperament, and specific physical traits such as height and weight, coat type, coat color, eye color, and shape, ear shape and placement, feet, tail, and more. Some standards can be very specific, some can be rather general and leave much room for individual interpretation by judges. This results in the sport’s subjective basis: one judge, applying their interpretation of the standard, and giving their opinion of the best dog on that particular day.

What parts of a dog may be judged?

All parts of the dog man should be judged, as the judges have the freedom to assess traits involving form and function.

The dog's original breed function, desired appearance, movement, temperament, and specific physical traits such as height, weight, coat, eyes, ears, feet, and tail. All of these are taken into account by the judges.

How does the judging at the Westminster Dog Show work?

Dogs initially compete within their respective breeds at the Westminster Dog Show, and the recipient of victory in that category is awarded the designation of Best in Breed. A solitary judge presides over the entry of each breed, with the first-place contestant progressing to the subsequent stage.

Subsequently, the winners advance to compete within their designated groups—the seven groups previously mentioned. The group judge evaluates and selects the top four dogs from each group, with the first-place dog advancing further.

The final stage involves the seven winners of Best in Group competing for the prestigious overall title of Best in Show.

Judging standards vary in specificity depending on the breed. Since the judgment is subjective, judges retain ultimate discretion in applying their judgment and opinions to determine the best dog within each group.

Westminster Dog Show schedule 2026

Below is the full schedule, watch options, and air times for the 2026 Westminster Dog Show.

Saturday, January 31

Monday, January 2

Tuesday, February 3