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

Published: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 1:30 am

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Kicks Off with Group Winners

The 2026 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is underway, with the first round of group judging completed Monday evening. Dogs representing the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding groups competed, with the Sporting, Working, and Terrier groups scheduled to be judged on Tuesday.

Dogs are judged against a breed standard, which outlines the ideal characteristics for each breed. These standards cover a range of physical traits, including height, weight, coat type, color, eye shape, ear shape, feet, and tail. The top dogs from each breed, recognized as Best of Breed, advance to the Best in Group competition. The winners from each of the seven groups then compete for the coveted Best in Show title.

One of the first dogs to secure a spot in the Best in Show competition was Zaida, an Afghan Hound officially known as GCHG CH Zaida Bint Muti Von Haussman. The Hound Group, which included Zaida, saw a total of 356 entries, with 12 Afghan Hounds competing. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was the most-entered breed within the Hound Group, with 34 entries. Afghan Hounds, known for their energetic and friendly personalities, have a history as hunting dogs for the British royal family.

BNN's Perspective: The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a long-standing tradition that celebrates the diversity and beauty of the canine world. While the competition can be intense, it's a testament to the dedication of breeders and owners who strive to uphold breed standards and promote the well-being of their dogs. The show also provides an opportunity for the public to appreciate the unique qualities of different breeds and learn more about responsible dog ownership.

Keywords: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, dog show, group judging, Afghan Hound, Zaida, Best in Show, Hound Group, Rhodesian Ridgeback, breed standards, dog breeds, competition, canine, dogs, Westminster

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