The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, America's second-longest continuously held sporting event, is set to dazzle dog lovers once again in 2024. For those wondering "What channel is the Westminster Dog Show on DirecTV?" or "Is the Westminster Dog Show on TV?", we've got you covered with this comprehensive guide to watching the prestigious canine competition.
Westminster Dog Show 2024: Dates and Venue
The 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will take place from May 11 to May 14, 2024, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York. This marks the second consecutive year the event will be held at this iconic venue, home to the US Open tennis tournament.
What Channel is the Westminster Dog Show on DirecTV?
For DirecTV subscribers wondering about the Westminster Dog Show TV channel, the event will be broadcast across multiple networks:
- Fox
- Fox Sports 1 (FS1)
- Fox Sports 2 (FS2)
Here are the corresponding channel numbers on DirecTV:
| Network | DirecTV Channel Number |
|---|---|
| Fox | Channel 360 |
| FS1 | Channel 219 |
| FS2 | Channel 618 |
Westminster Dog Show 2024 Schedule and TV Guide
Here's a detailed breakdown of the Westminster Dog Show schedule, including what channel each segment will be on:
Saturday, May 11
- Masters Agility Championship Preliminaries: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET (Fox Sports App)
- Masters Obedience Championship: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET (Fox Sports App)
- Dock Diving Exhibition: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET (Fox Sports App)
Sunday, May 12
- 11th Annual Masters Agility Championship Finals: 2 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET (Fox, DirecTV Channel 360)
Monday, May 13
- Breed Judging (Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups) and Junior Showmanship Preliminaries: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET (Fox Sports App)
- Breed Judging and Junior Showmanship Preliminaries: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. ET (FS2, DirecTV Channel 618)
- Pre-Show: 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. ET (FS1, DirecTV Channel 219)
- Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Group Judging: 7:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. ET (FS1, DirecTV Channel 219)
Tuesday, May 14
- Breed Judging (Sporting, Working, Terrier Groups) and Junior Showmanship Preliminaries: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET (Fox Sports App)
- Breed Judging and Junior Showmanship Preliminaries: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. ET (FS2, DirecTV Channel 618)
- Pre-Show: 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. ET (FS1, DirecTV Channel 219)
- Junior Showmanship Finals: 7 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. ET (Fox Sports App)
- Sporting, Working and Terrier Group Judging followed by Best in Show: 7:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. ET (FS1, DirecTV Channel 219)
How to Watch the Westminster Dog Show Without Cable
For those without a cable or satellite subscription, there are several streaming options available to watch the Westminster Dog Show on television:
- DirecTV Stream: Offers a 5-day free trial and includes Fox, FS1, and FS2 in its channel lineup.
- Fubo: Provides access to Fox, FS1, and FS2, with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes Fox, FS1, and FS2, with a 3-day free trial.
- Sling TV: Offers Fox and FS1 in its Sling Blue package, starting at $20 for the first month.
Additionally, you can stream certain portions of the event through:
- Fox Sports App
- WestminsterKennelClub.org
- Westminster Kennel Club YouTube channel
Westminster Dog Show Highlights and What to Expect
The Westminster Dog Show is not just a single event, but a series of competitions showcasing the best of the canine world. Here's what you can look forward to:
- Masters Agility Championship: Watch dogs navigate an obstacle course with speed and precision.
- Masters Obedience Championship: See the most well-trained dogs demonstrate their skills.
- Breed Judging: Nearly 3,000 dogs compete against others of their breed.
- Group Judging: The best of each breed compete in seven groups - Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding.
- Best in Show: The seven group winners compete for the ultimate title.
Westminster Dog Show 2023 Recap
Last year's Westminster Dog Show made history when Buddy Holly, a Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV), claimed the coveted Best in Show title. This marked the first time a PBGV had achieved this feat, breaking the traditional dominance of terriers in the competition.
The History and Significance of the Westminster Dog Show
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has a rich history dating back to 1877, making it America's second-longest continuously held sporting event. Originally a show for gun dogs, it has evolved into a prestigious competition that showcases nearly 3,000 dogs each year.
Key points about the Westminster Dog Show:
- It has been held annually since 1877, even during challenging times like the Great Depression and World Wars.
- The first Best in Show award was presented in 1907.
- Terriers have historically dominated the competition with 47 victories.
- Recent years have seen a shift, with hounds taking the top spot in the last two years.
How Dogs are Judged at the Westminster Dog Show
The Westminster Dog Show is not a popularity contest or a test of tricks. Instead, dogs are judged based on how closely they conform to their breed's written standard. This includes various physical aspects such as:
- Color
- Eye shape
- Tail carriage
- Overall structure and movement
While dogs are no longer required to perform their original jobs, they are still evaluated based on their ability to do so. This ensures that breed characteristics crucial for their historical purposes are maintained.
Tips for Watching the Westminster Dog Show
To get the most out of your Westminster Dog Show viewing experience:
- Familiarize yourself with the different breeds: The show features over 200 recognized breeds and varieties.
- Understand the judging criteria: Each breed has a specific standard against which dogs are judged.
- Pay attention to the commentary: Experts often provide valuable insights into breed characteristics and judging decisions.
- Watch the handlers: Their skill in presenting the dogs can make a significant difference.
- Enjoy the spectacle: From the elaborate grooming to the precise movements, there's always something fascinating to observe.
Conclusion: Don't Miss the Westminster Dog Show 2024
The Westminster Dog Show is a must-watch event for dog lovers and sports enthusiasts alike. Whether you're tuning in on DirecTV, another cable provider, or through a streaming service, you're in for a treat as the world's top canine athletes compete for the prestigious Best in Show title.
Mark your calendars for May 11-14, 2024, and get ready to witness the grace, skill, and beauty of these extraordinary dogs. From the agility trials to the final Best in Show judging, the Westminster Dog Show promises to be a spectacular celebration of our canine companions.
Remember, for DirecTV subscribers, you can catch all the action on Fox (Channel 360), FS1 (Channel 219), and FS2 (Channel 618). Don't miss this opportunity to be part of one of America's most beloved sporting traditions!