You’ll never know what true joy is until you see these top dogs compete for the Best in Show.
You might think concerts or sporting events are the height of live entertainment—but that’s only because you haven’t experienced the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show yet. Picture it: an arena filled with hundreds of impeccably groomed, adorable dogs strutting proudly, each more lovable and majestic than the last. You’re surrounded by fellow dog enthusiasts, feeling pure joy radiating from everyone in the crowd as their favorite breeds take center stage.
There’s drama, suspense, glamour, and moments that’ll melt your heart faster than any viral puppy video. The excitement in the air is contagious, and seeing dogs celebrated like rockstars genuinely lifts your spirits.
If you’re truly a dog lover, there’s no excuse for missing this unforgettable experience. Once you’ve attended, you’ll understand why Westminster isn’t just a dog show—it’s pure magic.
1. You’ll witness dogs being treated better than celebrities—and it’s delightful.
Walking into Westminster feels like stepping onto the set of a luxury dog spa commercial. Everywhere you look, handlers are primping and pampering their dogs with more care than most people put into their own hair, writes Noah Lehava in an article for Coveteur. The grooming stations are bustling with fluffy blowouts, coat-conditioning treatments, and meticulous last-minute touch-ups.
Watching a tiny Pekingese get fluffed like royalty or a stately Afghan Hound being brushed to silky perfection is both hilarious and heartwarming. The level of devotion and care these dogs receive is staggering. Seeing handlers fuss over every detail—right down to the perfect ear positioning before they hit the show ring—proves just how seriously people take this competition. If you’ve never watched dogs being prepped like Hollywood A-listers, you’re missing out on one of the best parts of the event.
2. Watching dog agility competitions will turn you into an instant fanatic.
If you think dog shows are slow-paced and dignified, the agility competition will flip that assumption upside down, according to Mary Sidiqi in an article on Newslooks. Picture border collies flying through tunnels, Jack Russell terriers leaping over hurdles, and golden retrievers weaving through poles at breakneck speed—all while their handlers shout commands with laser focus. The energy inside the arena is electric. The audience gasps at near-misses and erupts into cheers when a pup nails a perfect run. It’s impossible not to get caught up in the excitement.
Even if you’ve never watched an agility trial before, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat, rooting for a dog you’ve never met. The sheer athleticism, intelligence, and enthusiasm of these dogs make this competition an absolute must-watch. Miss it, and you’ll never understand how incredible dog sports can be.
3. The incredible variety of breeds will make you feel like a kid in a candy store.
Walking through Westminster feels like stepping into a living encyclopedia of dog breeds. You’ll see massive, drooling mastiffs standing next to tiny, energetic Papillons. Elegant Afghan Hounds glide past, their silky coats flowing like they belong on a runway. You might even encounter rare breeds you’ve never seen before—ever heard of a Xoloitzcuintli or a Lagotto Romagnolo?
Each breed has its own quirks, and Westminster is one of the only places where you can experience them all in one place. Talking to handlers and breeders gives you a deeper appreciation for these incredible dogs, their histories, and what makes them so special. If you love learning about different breeds, Westminster is a goldmine of discovery, say experts on the Kennel Club’s website. Once you experience this, your dog knowledge will be forever transformed.
4. The backstage grooming area is pure chaos—and it’s mesmerizing to watch.
If you love behind-the-scenes action, Westminster’s grooming area will have you absolutely fascinated. It’s a whirlwind of blow dryers, brushes, clippers, and an army of dedicated handlers making last-minute touch-ups before showtime. Watching a giant Newfoundland get fluffed to perfection or a poodle being sculpted into its iconic shape is strangely hypnotic. Some breeds require hours of meticulous grooming, and you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for the effort that goes into making these dogs look their best.
The level of focus, precision, and patience required is astonishing. Even the dogs seem to understand the importance of the moment, standing patiently as their handlers work their magic. If you skip this behind-the-scenes look, you’ll miss one of the most impressive parts of the entire show.
5. You’ll feel like you’re at the Oscars—for dogs.
Forget Hollywood red carpets—Westminster’s Best in Show competition is packed with more drama, glamour, and anticipation than any celebrity event. The final competitors take the stage with their handlers, each dog standing tall, eyes bright, ready for their moment in the spotlight. The judges inspect every detail, the tension builds, and when the Best in Show winner is announced, the crowd erupts in cheers.
It’s a genuinely emotional moment, as handlers tear up and the winning dog basks in the applause. The atmosphere is electric, and you’ll feel completely swept up in the excitement. If you think a dog show can’t be thrilling, this moment will prove you wrong. Seeing a dog crowned the best of the best is something every dog lover should witness at least once.
6. Junior handlers will restore your faith in the next generation.
Think today’s kids spend too much time on their phones? Watch Westminster’s Junior Showmanship competition, and you’ll instantly change your mind. These young handlers, some as young as nine, display skill, patience, and dedication that would impress even the most seasoned professionals. They guide their dogs with confidence, executing precise movements and demonstrating a bond that’s clearly built on hours of training and mutual trust.
It’s heartwarming to see kids so passionate about working with animals, proving that the next generation of dog lovers is in good hands. The pride on their faces when they step into the ring is something special. You can’t help but root for them, and by the end, you’ll walk away feeling inspired by their talent and love for dogs.
7. The Best in Show announcement will give you chills.
The anticipation in the air is thick as the final dogs take the stage, each one having already won their group. You can feel the crowd holding its collective breath as the judge makes the final decision. When the winning dog is finally named, the explosion of applause, cheers, and even happy tears from the handlers is nothing short of magical. Even if you don’t have a favorite in the race, the moment is so powerful that it’s impossible not to feel emotional.
Seeing the joy, the pride, and the sheer excitement of the winner’s moment is unforgettable. It’s a moment of pure celebration for everyone who loves dogs, and missing it would mean skipping one of the most thrilling conclusions in any competition.
8. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for purebred dogs.
You might think you already know a lot about dogs, but Westminster will open your eyes to the depth of history, purpose, and tradition behind each breed. Every dog in the ring represents generations of careful breeding, with distinct characteristics that have been preserved for centuries. Seeing the judges assess each dog based on these intricate breed standards is fascinating. It’s not just about looks—movement, temperament, and structure all come into play.
After watching the competition, you’ll walk away with a whole new understanding of why people are so passionate about purebred dogs. Even if you love mixed breeds just as much, this experience will deepen your appreciation for the history and purpose behind different breeds, making you see dogs in a whole new light.
9. You’ll be surrounded by people who love dogs just as much as you do.
Westminster isn’t just a show—it’s a gathering place for dog lovers from all over the world. The energy in the air is pure joy, with people enthusiastically discussing their favorite breeds, sharing stories about their own pets, and bonding over their shared obsession with dogs. It’s the kind of place where complete strangers become instant friends, simply because they both stopped to admire the same golden retriever.
If you love dogs, you’ll feel completely at home here. The positive, welcoming atmosphere makes Westminster more than just an event—it’s a celebration of everything wonderful about the human-dog connection. Walking through the show, surrounded by people who are just as dog-obsessed as you are, feels like finding your tribe. It’s a feeling every dog lover deserves to experience at least once.
10. The vendors have everything a dog lover could ever want.
If you love spoiling your pup, Westminster is like walking into the ultimate dog-lover’s shopping paradise. The vendor booths are packed with high-end pet accessories, gourmet dog treats, custom collars, and even luxury dog beds fit for royalty. You’ll find everything from breed-specific merchandise to professional-grade grooming tools, many of which aren’t available in regular pet stores. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, browsing through the endless options is half the fun.
Watching people excitedly pick out fancy gifts for their dogs back home is heartwarming, and let’s be honest—you’ll probably cave and grab something, too. Whether it’s a handcrafted leather leash or an artisan-baked treat, you won’t leave empty-handed. If you skip the vendor section, you’ll miss out on some of the most unique and fun pet products around.
11. You’ll witness the strongest human-dog bonds on the planet.
There’s something truly special about watching a handler and their dog move in perfect sync, like they can read each other’s minds. Westminster isn’t just a competition—it’s a showcase of the deep, unbreakable connection between people and their dogs. The level of trust, understanding, and teamwork on display is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
You can see it in the way a handler gently reassures their dog before stepping into the ring, or the joyful way a pup wags its tail after nailing a perfect performance. These moments remind you just how incredible the human-dog bond really is. If you’ve ever doubted that dogs and humans can truly communicate, Westminster will change your mind forever. Missing this event means missing proof that love and loyalty between species is very real.
12. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories—and a serious case of puppy fever.
There’s no way to walk out of Westminster without feeling completely inspired and maybe even a little obsessed with getting another dog. The sheer amount of cuteness, excitement, and joy packed into this event is overwhelming in the best way. Whether it’s a heartwarming moment between a handler and their dog, the thrill of watching an underdog take the win, or just the sight of so many happy, well-cared-for pups in one place, Westminster leaves a lasting impression.
You’ll find yourself reminiscing about the show for weeks, showing friends videos, and possibly researching dog breeds late at night. The experience is so fun, so immersive, and so full of love for dogs that it’s impossible to forget. If you don’t attend, you’re missing out on one of the most joyful experiences a dog lover can have.
13. It’s the Super Bowl of dog shows—and every dog lover needs to experience it at least once.
Westminster isn’t just any dog show—it’s the dog show. It’s the most prestigious, most exciting, and most legendary canine event in the world. For dog lovers, attending Westminster is like a sports fan going to the Super Bowl or a music lover seeing their favorite band live. The history, the competition, the atmosphere—it all comes together to create an unforgettable experience. There’s simply nothing else like it.
Whether you go for the agility, the breed judging, or just to be surrounded by fellow dog enthusiasts, Westminster is the ultimate bucket-list event for anyone who adores dogs. If you truly love these amazing animals, seeing Westminster in person at least once is non-negotiable. Miss it, and you’re skipping the greatest celebration of dogs on the planet.