The Quirkiest Canines at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Yasmeen Hamadeh
·2 min read
A standard poodle gets ready during the 149th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
Jeenah Moon / Reuters

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.

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
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
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.

This Bichon Frisé

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, 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.

These Poodles

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

Love a low-key mop.

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