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Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Goes Global: Netflix Takes Over the Iconic Event in 2027

A Historic Shift in Broadcasting

For over a decade, Fox Sports had the honor of bringing the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show into living rooms across America. Now, the legendary competition is set for a groundbreaking new chapter—Netflix has secured the streaming rights, marking one of the most significant changes in the event’s 150-year history.

The 151st edition of the show promises to be bigger, brighter, and more accessible than ever, as the world’s most famous canine competition makes its digital debut in February 2027.

Where to Watch: A Dual-Venue Spectacle

Fans will experience the thrill of the competition in two stunning locations:

• Daytime Matches: Streamed live from the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, where the energy of the event is at its peak.
• Final Judging & "Best in Show": Held at the legendary Madison Square Garden, where top dogs vie for the ultimate prize—Espen Engh, a judge with experience across over 100 countries, will decide the winner.

A special pre-show, the "Canine Celebration"—featuring the Masters Agility contest—will be recorded on January 30 and released exclusively on Netflix before the main event.

A Global Stage for Man’s Best Friend

The Westminster Kennel Club sees this partnership as a chance to expand the reach of dog sports, inviting new audiences into the world of handlers, breeders, and pet enthusiasts worldwide.

This year’s record-breaking lineup includes:

• Over 3,000 dogs representing 200+ breeds
• Two nights of group competition, narrowing down contenders before the grand finale
• A Junior Showmanship contest, where young trainers showcase their skills in a special finals streamed by Netflix

The Judges: Experts Behind the Scenes

The competition’s integrity is upheld by an elite panel of judges, each bringing deep expertise in their assigned groups:

First Night Judges:

• Ken Murray – Hounds
• Sei-ichiro Ishimaru – Toys
• Patricia Sosa – Non-Sporting
• Marilyn VanVleit – Herding

Second Night Judges:

• Kathy Lorentzen – Sporting
• Dana Cline – Working
• Clay Coady – Terriers

Winners from each group advance to the Final Round, where Espen Engh will crown the "Best in Show" at Madison Square Garden.

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The Future of Dog Show Entertainment

This move to Netflix isn’t just a change in broadcasting—it’s a revolution in accessibility. Fans can now watch from anywhere, on any device, ensuring that the joy of this historic event reaches viewers old and new.

For the Westminster Kennel Club, it’s not just about keeping tradition alive—it’s about shaping the future of dog sports, one streamed moment at a time.

Mark your calendars—February 2027 is when the world tunes in to witness canine greatness.