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A New Chapter for Man's Best Friend on the World's Biggest Screen

Netflix Secures Exclusive Streaming Rights for Prestigious Dog Show

Netflix has officially signed an agreement with the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, becoming its exclusive streaming partner. This landmark deal will see the streaming giant commence its coverage with the 151st edition of the iconic event, scheduled for early 2027 in New York. This marks a new chapter for the show, which previously aired on Fox Sports for a decade, and before that, on USA Network for 32 years.

The Future of Canine Competition: Live on Netflix

Beginning in February 2027, Netflix will provide live coverage of the Westminster events from New York City. The daytime breed competitions, held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, will be simultaneously streamed on Tudum.com and westminsterkennelclub.org. The much-anticipated evening judging sessions at Madison Square Garden are scheduled to air live on Netflix from February 1st to February 2nd, offering an immersive experience for viewers.

Westminster's Canine Celebration and Junior Showmanship

In addition to the main competition, Westminster's Canine Celebration, which includes the Masters Agility Championship, is slated to return for its fifth consecutive year on January 30th at the Javits Center. This event will be recorded and broadcast at a later date. Furthermore, the 93rd Annual Junior Showmanship competition, highlighting young talent in the sport, will take place on Tuesday, February 2nd, at Madison Square Garden and will also be available live on Netflix. Lisa Gallizzo of Branchburg, N.Y., will preside as the judge for the Junior Showmanship Finals, ultimately selecting the Best Junior Handler.

A Global Vision for the Sport of Dogs

Dr. Donald Sturz, president of The Westminster Kennel Club, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. He stated that this collaboration with Netflix, following the momentum of the 150th milestone event, opens an exciting new chapter. The goal is to significantly broaden the show's audience and introduce the sport of dogs to new demographics globally. He emphasized the club's commitment to growing the beloved event annually, inspiring new enthusiasts and fans across all generations and regions.

An Expanded Showcase of Canine Excellence

The three-day, three-night spectacle will feature an impressive lineup of over 3,000 champion dogs, representing 200 distinct breeds from various parts of the world. All these events culminate in the grand Best in Show event on February 2nd at Madison Square Garden, where the ultimate champion will be crowned.

Leadership's Commitment to the Canine Community

Brandon Riegg, Netflix's vice president of nonfiction series & sports, shared his personal connection to the event as a proud dog owner. He expressed his pleasure and honor in partnering with The Westminster Kennel Club to broadcast the 151st show live worldwide. Riegg highlighted Netflix's excitement to present this esteemed event to an even larger global audience, celebrating the dogs, their handlers, and their dedicated fans.

Esteemed Judges to Oversee the Competition

Espen Engh, a renowned figure in the Greyhound fancy, an accomplished breeder, and a world-renowned judge with a veterinary background, has been named the Best in Show judge. With four decades of judging experience across more than 100 countries and an upcoming Best in Show assignment at Crufts in 2028, Engh is noted as the only active judge invited to award Best in Show at both iconic domestic and international shows. The group judges, who will make their selections over two nights at Madison Square Garden, will include: Night 1 will feature Ken Murray judging the Hound Group, Sei-ichiro Ishimaru judging the Toy Group, Patricia Sosa judging the Non-Sporting Group, and Marilyn VanVleit overseeing the Herding Group. On Night 2, Kathy Lorentzen will judge the Sporting Group, Dana Cline will preside over the Working Group, and Clay Coady will judge the Terrier Group. Their winning dogs will then advance to compete for Best in Sho