The Life of a Show Dog: Celebrating 150 Years of Westminster
Collection celebrating milestone of the legendary dog show opens Dec 18th
The American Kennel Club® Museum of the Dog is thrilled to announce its newest exhibition, The Life of a Show Dog: Celebrating 150 Years of Westminster, which will run from December 18, 2025, through March 22, 2026.
Over the course of its 150-year history, The Westminster Kennel Club has woven itself into the societal fabric of New York as one of the City’s most beloved traditions. The Life of a Show Dog invites you behind the scenes of the iconic pageantry, precision and passion that define the enduring legacy of the second oldest continuously held sporting event in the country: The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
“The Westminster Kennel Club is America’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of dogs, and the celebration of the role dogs play in our lives. For nearly 150 years, Westminster’s advocacy for purpose-bred dogs strives to honor each unique breed’s legacy and history, while enhancing the lives of all dogs,” said Dr. Donald Sturz, Westminster Kennel Club President and Show Chairman. “As we approach Westminster’s sesquicentennial milestone, we are thrilled that AKC Museum of the Dog is showcasing the people, traditions, and remarkable dogs that have shaped our story through this extraordinary exhibition.”
Drawn from the archives of The Westminster Kennel Club, Madison Square Garden, and the AKC Museum of the Dog, this exhibition illuminates the defining moments that have shaped the show’s remarkable history. Through portraits, rare footage, trophies, grooming tables, and other artifacts of devotion, visitors will discover the artistry, discipline, and heart behind the pursuit of “Best in Show.”
“It is an honor to celebrate the enduring legacy of one of New York’s most beloved cultural icons,” says Christopher E. Bromson, AKC Museum of the Dog CEO & Executive Director. “Westminster isn’t just a dog show; it’s a story that has been unfolding for 150 years. The Life of a Show Dog captures the devotion, perseverance, and excellence of the dogs and people who have pursued perfection in the ring, and offers an intimate look behind the scenes of this inspiring tradition.”
Experience 150 years of Westminster through the eyes of the dogs who made history.
For more information on this exhibit or the AKC Museum of the Dog, please visit www.museumofthedog.org.
About the AKC Museum of the Dog
Founded in 1982, The AKC Museum of the Dog is dedicated to the collection, preservation, exhibition, and interpretation of the art, artifacts, and literature of the dog for the purposes of education, historical perspective, aesthetic enjoyment and to enhance the appreciation for and knowledge of the significance of the dog and the human/canine relationship. The museum is home to over 1700 original paintings, drawings, watercolors, prints, sculptures, bronzes, and porcelain figurines, a variety of decorative arts objects and interactive displays depicting man’s best friend throughout the ages. The AKC Museum of the Dog is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization funded mainly by private and corporate gift donations. For more information on the AKC Museum of the Dog visit www.Museumofthedog.org
Get social! Follow the AKC Museum of the Dog on Facebook at @akcmuseumofthedog, Twitter at @akcMOD and Instagram at @museumofthedog.
About The Westminster Kennel Club
The Westminster Kennel Club, established in 1877, is America’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of dogs. It hosts the iconic, all-breed Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the second-longest, continuously held sporting event in the U.S. after the Kentucky Derby and, since 1948, the longest nationally televised live dog show. The Club’s mission is to enhance the lives of all dogs by celebrating the companionship of dogs and promoting responsible dog ownership and breed preservation. The Club advocates for purpose-bred dogs, with an understanding that each breed has a legacy and history that deserves to be taught, honored, and preserved. The Club uses education to raise awareness and encourage owners to conscientiously select dogs that are the right match for their families. The annual dog show — a conformation competition for purpose-bred dogs — and the Masters Agility Championship and Masters Obedience Championship — where dogs from all backgrounds are eligible to compete — make Westminster Week, with thousands of dogs from the U.S. and around the world, a pinnacle experience for any dog lover. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has captivated canine enthusiasts for more than a century. WESTMINSTER. There’s only one.®
The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will take place January 31 and February 2 & 3, 2026 in Manhattan. For ticket information and to learn more, visit westminsterkennelclub.org.
