After a hiatus that began in 2020, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has returned to New York City for its 149th annual event. The competition kicked off this weekend in Midtown Manhattan, with more than 2,500 dogs competing for the coveted “Best in Show” title.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the event, leading to changes in venue and timing. Traditionally held in the winter at Madison Square Garden, the show was relocated due to pandemic restrictions. In recent years, it was held at Lyndhurst, an estate in Tarrytown, New York, and at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens. The event also temporarily took place during the warmer months instead of its usual winter schedule.

The Westminster Dog Show features competition among more than 200 breeds, requiring extensive training, financial investment, and emotional commitment from handlers. According to an interview with the New York Post, preparing for the show is no easy feat. “It’s a lot of work. It’s a lot of pressure. It’s so much stress and anxiety. There’s not really an easy part, other than trusting your dog that it’s not gonna poop in the ring,” one participant said.

While the competition is taken seriously by both handlers and dogs, the event remains a beloved tradition that fans eagerly anticipate each year. Judging is expected to conclude by Tuesday when the winner of “Best in Show” will be announced.