Photos: Scenes from the 150th Westminster Dog Show

Emily Bogle | February 4, 2026

Penny, a Doberman pinscher, which is a large black dog with brown spots on her feet, chest and nose, sits on a purple carpet next to a large purple and yellow ribbon, two large silver bowls and a yellow box that says "best in show."

This year marks the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show’s 150th anniversary. Hundreds of dogs competed for the top prize at Madison Square Garden on Monday and Tuesday. Penny the Doberman pinscher was named best in show on Tuesday night. A Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cota was the runner up.

Here is a selection of images showing the dogs preparing behind the scenes and being judged on the national stage.

Cota, a Chesapeake Bay retriever, is given a ribbon after winning the Sporting Group.
Cota, a Chesapeake Bay retriever, is given a ribbon after winning the Sporting Group. (Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images)
Christian Stoinev performs with his chihuahua, Scooby, stands on his back during the dog show.
Christian Stoinev performs with his chihuahua, Scooby, stands on his back during the dog show. (Yuki Iwamura | AP)
A German Shorthaired pointer competes in the Sporting Group.
A German Shorthaired pointer competes in the Sporting Group. (Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images)
Faith, a Sealyham terrier, competes in the terrier group.
Faith, a Sealyham terrier, competes in the terrier group. (Yuki Iwamura | AP)
Bichon Frises are groomed at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Monday.
Bichon Frises are groomed at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Monday. (Angelina Katsanis | AP)
A dog has its paws trimmed in a grooming area at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.
A dog has its paws trimmed in a grooming area at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. (Spencer Platt | Getty Images)
French bulldogs are held by their owners in the judging ring.
French bulldogs are held by their owners in the judging ring. (Timothy A. Clary | AFP via Getty Images)
Handlers stand with their borzois in the demo ring.
Handlers stand with their borzois in the demo ring. (Angelina Katsanis | AP)
A Boston terrier is examined in the judging area.
A Boston terrier is examined in the judging area. (Timothy A. Clary | AFP via Getty Images)
A dog wears a sweater in the benching area.
A dog wears a sweater in the benching area. (Timothy A. Clary | AFP via Getty Images)
A bulldog waits in the judging area.
A bulldog waits in the judging area. (Timothy A. Clary | AFP via Getty Images)
An Old English sheepdog sits in the benching area.
An Old English sheepdog sits in the benching area. (Timothy A. Clary | AFP via Getty Images)
Fig, a Portuguese Podengo, kisses a groomer at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Fig, a Portuguese Podengo, kisses a groomer at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. (Spencer Platt | Getty Images)

 

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