2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: Group Winners, Results From Day 1

The 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show kicked off at Madison Square Garden in New York City, with judges evaluating hundreds of purebred dogs across various breeds on day one, as handlers and owners showcased their champions in pursuit of the prestigious Best in Show title. The nation's most prestigious canine competition, which dates back to 1877, began its two-day format with intense competition in the seven breed groups: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. Each group winner was selected based on breed standards, temperament, and presentation, with top contenders including a Golden Retriever in the Sporting group, a Bloodhound in the Hound division, and a Samoyed in the Working category. The competition featured both established champion lines and promising newcomers, all vying for the coveted title that has launched many dogs into national stardom.