The 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is underway at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York. The event, which commenced on Saturday and will conclude with the "Best in Show" title at 11 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., following only the Kentucky Derby.
Judging at the group stage was split over two days, with Mercedes the German Shepherd (Herding), Sage the Miniature Poodle (Non-Sporting), Comet the Shih Tzu (Toy), and Louis the Afghan Hound (Hound) already securing their spots for the Best in Show competition. Winners from the sporting, working, and terrier groups will join them for the final judging.
An exciting element of this year's show includes the agility competition, where Nimble, an All-American dog, made history by being the first mutt and the first from the 12-inch division to win. Other finalists in agility included Lark the Papillon, Border Collies Vanish and Typo, and Hogan the Weimaraner.
Additionally, the event saw the debut of the Lancashire Heeler in Westminster's herding group. This new addition, characterized by its small, sturdy frame and energetic nature, added fresh competition, though it did not advance to the final stages.
Live coverage of the event airs on FS1 and is available for streaming on the Fox Sports app, with The New York Times providing live commentary throughout the evening.