1928
Mrs. Reginald F. Mayhew becomes first woman to have a say in deciding Best in Show, as part of a 5-judge panel.
1929
The Youngest Best in Show winner is a 9-month-old Rough Collie named Laund Loyalty of Bellhaven.
1933
Mrs. Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge becomes the first solo female Best in Show judge.
1934
Westminster introduces a children’ s handling class, highlighting the next generation of dog fanciers. This is known today as Junior Showmanship.
1935
Hayes Blake Hoyt becomes the first female handler to capture Best in Show at The Garden with her Standard Poodle
1983
The Herding Group is introduced by the AKC as a new classification for dogs developed to gather, herd, and control livestock. Before this, these breeds were part of the Working Group.
1987
WKC launches its annual scholarship program for veterinary students, which has awarded more than $ 4.8M to date, an initiative that laid the foundation for Westminster Cares.
1992
Westminster becomes the first champions-only dog show.
2009
The oldest dog to win Best in Show is a 10-year old Sussex Spaniel named Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee( Stump). Also, the first BIS win for the breed.
2021
2014
Westminster officially adds an agility competition, expanding beyond traditional conformation judging.
1948
First television broadcast of the dog show on a local station with commentary by society matron Hayes Blake Hoyt.
1968
The 92nd dog show is the final event held at MSG III, where Westminster was the longest-standing tenant.
For the first time, Westminster is held outdoors at Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, NY, due to the pandemic.
2024
Westminster makes its triumphant return to Madison Square Garden and holds daytime events at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center for the first time.
WESTMINSTER. There’ s only one ® 9