Westminster Dog Show Celebrates 150th Anniversary
The 150th Westminster Dog Show is currently taking place at the Javits Center, culminating with events at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. Notably, Amber McCune’s border collie, ‘Prove It,’ took home the title at the Westminster Masters Agility Championship over the weekend.
The show kicked off with the Best of Breed judging on Monday, followed by group judging slated for Tuesday, where the Best in Show will be announced.
Jamie Little, a pit reporter for FS1, shared her thoughts on covering this iconic event. “It’s an honor to be part of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This is the biggest and most prestigious dog show globally, and it’s the 150th edition, so it’s kind of special,” she remarked.
Little had the chance to interview the first four winners and noted how palpable the emotions were among the participants. “Families have been coming here for generations with their show dogs. We have so many stories to tell, which makes this year particularly interesting. The background of the breeds present since 1877 really adds depth,” she reflected.
She described her backstage experiences with the dogs as electric. “I was overwhelmed with emotion while interviewing the initial winners—it felt incredibly significant,” Little admitted.
Winning at the Westminster Dog Show is always a remarkable achievement, but this year carries an extra layer of importance for its milestone anniversary. “This will be a record that, personally, I won’t forget,” she said.
Little, who has been covering the show for eight years, feels the event has grown larger and the competition has tightened. “It’s an experience for everyone, even if you don’t have a dog. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy,” she explained.
Reflecting on the significance of returning to Madison Square Garden, she mentioned how much the venue means to the event. “We’re back where we belong. It’s spectacular how this space transforms into a dog show; the energy and lights create something memorable for the audience,” she stated.
Little loves interviewing the winners, particularly after such a long journey of dedication and commitment. “It’s touching to see how much effort they’ve put in for decades, often going back generations,” she said. She also enjoys the added perk of getting petted while conducting interviews— something she can appreciate as a dog owner herself.
After the Westminster Dog Show, Little will transition to cover the Daytona 500. While the dog show has its intensity, she describes NASCAR as a different beast entirely. “I often joke that I’m going to shift gears from four legs to four wheels. It’s a fun yet intense change,” she commented.
She concluded, saying, “At the dog show, I’m in an evening gown like I’m attending a wedding, and at Daytona, it’s ponytails and headsets. It’s just incredible to experience both worlds.”
