2018 Westminster Dog Show Dates and Venue
The 2018 Westminster Dog Show was held February 13–14 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. These two days featured best in show judging, group competitions, and the historic breed judging that marks the event. For many breeds, these two days determine which dogs advance to the Group and ultimately Best in Show.
This page serves as a status clarifier and evergreen reference for the timing of the 2018 edition, helping readers distinguish past schedules from current and future shows.
Westminster Dog Show 2018 at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Event | Westminster Dog Show 2018 | AKC registration records |
| Dates | February 13–14, 2018 | Event schedule |
| Venue | Madison Square Garden, New York City | Venue contract |
| Location | 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY | Venue map |
| Best in Show 2018 | BandLeader (Scottish Deerhound) | AKC results archive |
| Group Winners 2018 | Yes (multiple groups) | AKC show recap |
Daily Schedule at a Glance
- February 13, 2018: Best of Breed and select Group judging
- February 14, 2018: Group judging and Best in Show
- Typical daily hours: 9:00AM–6:00PM ET (subject to change)
What the Westminster Dog Show Is
The Westminster Dog Show is an all-breed conformation event organized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Conformation judges evaluate dogs against each breed’s written standard, emphasizing structure, movement, and temperament. The show follows a breed → group → Best in Show progression. While often televised, the event focuses on evaluating breeding stock and preserving breed function.
Event Venue and Location Details
Since 2017, Westminster has been held at Madison Square Garden in midtown Manhattan. For 214th consecutive years in 2018, the Garden hosted nearly 2,500 dogs across hundreds of breeds. The venue’s central location supports international media coverage and attendee access via public transit.
How to Follow Results and Highlights
- Official AKC recap: concise results and group winners
- Best in Show announcement: televised highlight on Friday evening
- Digital coverage: live blog and photo galleries available post-show
Looking Ahead to Future Westminster Shows
Because Westminster occurs in early February each year, planning for subsequent editions typically begins in the prior spring. For up-to-date schedules and ticketing, check the AKC’s official Westminster site as deadlines and lineups are finalized. Historical context, such as the 2018 February 13–14 dates, can help set expectations for future early-February timing and venue logistics.