How To Watch the 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of the longest-running sporting events in the United States, predating even the Super Bowl by more than a century. First held in 1877, this year marks the historic 150th anniversary, bringing elite purebred dogs from around the world to compete for Best in Show. It differs from casual local competitions in that Westminster is invitation-only, which means every dog in the ring has already earned its place through prior wins.

In recent years, the event has expanded beyond its traditional single-venue format. While long synonymous with Madison Square Garden, modern editions split the action between daytime breed competitions and primetime group rounds. That structure allows for broader coverage, but it can also make it harder to figure out what’s airing live on FOX versus FS1 and what’s taped for later.

Add in the mix of streaming and on-demand options, and following the schedule can feel more complicated than the agility course itself. That’s where I come in. The guide below breaks it all down clearly, so you know exactly when and where to tune in without missing the moment the green carpet fills up.

What channel is the Westminster Dog Show on?

Coverage of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is split primarily across FS1 and FOX, with each network carrying different portions of the competition. FS1 airs the bulk of the tournament, including the Group Finals and Best in Show, in primetime. Meanwhile, FOX broadcasts special segments like the Masters Agility Championship Finals to a broader national audience.

Since the event spans multiple days, knowing the specific channel split is key. Daytime breed judging and preliminary rounds air on FS2, setting the stage for FS1’s live evening broadcasts. If you aren’t near a TV, you can stream via the FOX Sports app or website with a qualifying TV provider login.

2026 Westminster Dog Show TV schedule

With coverage split between daytime streaming and primetime broadcasts, watching every Westminster event requires some channel hopping. In the table below, I’ve broken down the full schedule so you know exactly when to switch between channels.

Best TV plans for watching the Westminster Dog Show

How you choose to watch Westminster Dog Show coverage depends on whether you just want to catch the agility winner or if you need to track every Terrier in the ring.

If you’re only interested in the Saturday agility finals, a simple antenna may be enough. But if you want full access to the multi-day judging and the freedom to watch on your own schedule, you’ll need a streaming service with DVR. Here’s my Good, Better, Best breakdown to help you make an informed decision.

• Good – Antenna TV: If you only care about the agility competition, a digital antenna is the simplest option. FOX’s coverage includes the Masters Agility Championship, which is one of the most entertaining parts of the event. As long as you’re within range of a local FOX affiliate, you can watch that portion live without paying for a subscription. The tradeoff is that you’ll miss Group Finals, Best in Show, and daytime breed judging, which air exclusively on FS1 and FS2.
• Better – FOX One: For the dedicated fan who doesn’t want a full cable bill, the new FOX One service is the sweet spot. At $19.99/mo., it unlocks every minute of FOX’s Westminster coverage, including the FS1 and FS2 broadcasts. Because FOX One is available on popular streaming platforms, like Apple TV and Roku, you can load it up on your TV while following the kennel club’s website feeds on your phone.
• Best – YouTube TV: For the most robust, low-effort experience, YouTube TV ($82.99/mo.) is the strongest all-in-one option. It carries FOX, FS1, and FS2 nationwide and avoids local affiliate headaches. Its unlimited cloud DVR is a lifesaver for Westminster, since judging often overlaps with work hours. Recording everything lets you jump straight to specific breeds or the Best in Show ring later without hunting for replays.

How to watch the Westminster Dog Show for free

You can watch the Masters Agility Championship on FOX for free using a digital TV antenna. Since FOX is a local broadcast network, an antenna lets you tune in over the air without a TV subscription. But this method won’t get you FS1 or FS2, which host the majority of the actual dog show judging.

To watch the Group Finals and Best in Show on FS1 for free, I recommend using a live TV streaming trial. Services such as Fubo and YouTube TV carry FOX, FS1, and FS2, and typically offer free trials for new subscribers. This allows you to sign up, stream the entire weekend of events, and cancel before the trial ends to avoid paying.

How to watch the Westminster Dog Show FAQ