There are few things as joyous in life as watching the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, few things as coveted as its Best in Show award, and few things as remarkable as its cute and quirky-looking little dogs.
For its 149th ceremony, the esteemed and real highlight of award season set up doggy camp at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Madison Square Garden over the past couple of days. Judging for breeds and groups began on Monday, while Tuesday saw additional group judging and the event’s handout of its best in show title.
So without further ado, meet the class of 2025.
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Best In Show
Winner of Best In Show, Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, competes to win in the Working Group during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Eduardo Munoz/Eduardo Munoz/Reuters
Monty, a 5-year-old Giant Schnauzer, took the top gong. According to People, Monty also took home a win for Best in Breed for the Giant Schnauzer and the Best in Group honor for the Working Group.
This Shih Tzu
A Shih Tzu and his owner. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images
Meet Comet the Shih Tzu, winner of the Toy Group category Monday night, and all-class ultimate diva. It’s all about the blue bow.
Neal, a Bichon Frise, competes to win the Non-Sporting Group during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, U.S., February 10, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz
Neal the Bichon Frisé: winner of the Non-Sporting Group category, bearer of a haircut that is sharp to say the least.
Participants run with their miniature poodles in the judging area during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images
Definitely quirky.
This Chinese Crested Pup
A handler holds Chinese Crested dog at the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Andres Kudacki/Getty Images
Accompanied by accessorized pink sparkly blazer and hot pink nails.
This Miniature Poodle
A Miniature Poodle and its owner are pictured in the judging area during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images
It seems like poodles are a reoccurring motif on this list. Very interesting grooming going on in the legs there.
These English Setter Dogs
English Setter dogs compete during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Andres Kudacki/Getty Images
Comes with its own silky fringe.
This Komondor
A Komondor dog competes during at the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on February 11, 2025 in New York City. Andres Kudacki/Getty Images
Great locks. Lucious locks. Meme-worthy locks.
These Bedlington Terriers
Bedlington Terrier dogs look on after a competition during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on February 11, 2025 in New York City. Andres Kudacki/Getty Images
To each their own!
So Many Poodles
A miniature poodle rests during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Jeenah Moon/Reuters Standard poodles wait to compete during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Jeenah Moon/Reuters
This Puli
A Puli and its owner are pictured in the judging area during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City on February 10, 2025. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images