Inside the cavernous Javits Convention Center, the “Star-Spangled Banner” rose to a crescendo alongside the barks and bays of thousands of dogs. Among them, Schmutzie, a four-and-a-half-year-old champion Samoyed, stood calmly on her grooming table. Her owner, Michael Matloob, had escorted her via cab from their home in the West Village to the venue, where handler Debbie Studwell took over. Studwell gave Schmutzie’s “Grinch toes” one final trim and touched up her snow-white coat before accompanying her into the ring.
Schmutzie the Samoyed poses for the camera on her big day
Schmutzie's show-ready paws (left); handler Debbie Studwell prepping Schmutzie
Even if you’re not a dog person, you’ve likely heard of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. It is, after all, the most prestigious canine competition in the United States. The 149th iteration of the show took place on February 8, 10 and 11 of this year, returning to Madison Square Garden—its home since 1877—for the first time since 2020.
The event follows a precise structure. Breed competitions happen during the day (this year, they were at the Javits Center). The winner in each breed advances to the evening competitions at Madison Square Garden, competing in one of seven groups, before the top dog in each group moves on to the ultimate title: Best in Show, Westminster’s grand finale.
A hopeful contestant and handler
Both handler and show dog maintain focus for their big moment
A menagerie of fluffy golden retrievers
Not only is the Westminster Dog Show prestigious, but the experience of participating in or viewing it is unique. During the breed competitions, spectators are not watching from a distance—they’re in the middle of it all. Westminster is one of the few remaining benched shows in the US, which means that instead of showing and going, all dogs must stay in the benching area throughout the day. This area isn’t behind the scenes as you might expect; instead, it’s a significant part of the event. For spectators, this adds to the excitement, as they can watch dogs posing for photos and handlers in colorful sequined suits fluffing fur with combs kept in their ponytails.
“What you see at night on TV is a small part of what really happens,” says Amy MacDonald, who traveled from Indiana for the show. “The most enjoyable part is interacting with the dogs, the handlers and their owners.” Want to get drooled on by a Saint Bernard, pat a 220-pound Neapolitan mastiff on the head or scritch an orange belton English setter under the chin? Just ask!
Schmutzie and her owner, Michael Matloob
Though Schmutzie has competed in over 30 events, this was her first Westminster appearance, and her prep paid off. She won Select, an award given to top champions just behind Best of Breed and Best of Opposite Sex. “I wasn’t expecting her to get a ribbon,” Matloob says. “Just coming to Westminster is an honor. And then she gets the Select ribbon, and it’s just like, Wow! Select at Westminster is so cool.”
We sat down with Matloob to hear about their Westminster experience, what the show means to New York City and how a champion show dog enjoys life in NYC.
Debbie and Schmutzie in action
Can you share how you knew Schmutzie had star quality?
Michael Matloob: We were at the dog park, and she was standing in the perfect stack position. She looked just like a show dog. And she’s been winning since she started showing. She’s been a star all along. Living in New York City, she always got attention when she was a puppy. So she had the “I’m a queen, come pet me” attitude from the beginning.
Schmutzie and her fellow contestants
What’s one thing about Schmutzie’s personality that might surprise people?
MM: People are surprised at how chill she is. She’s pretty relaxed most of the time. She gets excited when she sees me, but in general, she’s laid-back. Samoyeds are a pretty vocal breed, but Schmutzie is quiet unless she’s left out of something. Then she’ll make sure you know.
New York City has hosted Westminster since the 1800s. How does it feel to be part of that legacy?
MM: I have to say it’s pretty cool that the premier dog show in the United States is a subway ride away. I took a cab today because I didn’t want to get Schmutzie dirty.
Do you think Schmutzie has a home-court advantage as a West Village resident?
MM: It’s probably less stressful for her not having to drive far, just 15 minutes. The less stressed she is, the better the performance. New York City is unique because I don’t think Schmutzie would get this much attention elsewhere. She’s used to being pet all the time by so many people. It’s her usual day-to-day. She craves the attention.
Schmutzie yawns in the face of her competition
Do you feel more of a competitive spirit or camaraderie among the owners?
MM: It’s a spirit of camaraderie more than competitiveness. I want a Samoyed to win. I don’t care if I don’t get Best of Breed as long as a Samoyed makes it further in the show. I’m on Team Samoyed.
Debbie, Schmutzie and Michael celebrate their win
Where does Schmutzie dog it up in the City? Any favorite parks, paths or hidden green spaces?
MM: Her favorite place in the City is her daycare, Dogma. She’s a regular there. They have agility classes; she loves that. We go to the Washington Square dog park, mostly after it snows. She bounds around. She loves the snow. She’s a snow dog, after all. She likes to walk on the Hudson River Park path and get petted by everyone walking past her.
New York City is full of dog-friendly cafés and patios. Where does Schmutzie love to hang out and people-watch?
MM: My usual spot, Madman Espresso, closed for the winter, but they had a little shack open. People would stop by to say hi to her. It’s a nice place to chill. We’ve been to restaurants all around the City. When we do outdoor dining, it’s rare when she’s not allowed. If I don’t have to leave her at home, I won’t.
Many stores allow dogs in New York City. Does Schmutzie have any favorite shops for toys and treats?
MM: Wooftown. It’s a block away from me on Christopher Street, and they give free treats out to the dogs, and it’s on the way home from daycare. Once we get close, Schumutzie starts tugging. The staff there love her. I sometimes hang out and talk with them while they pet her.
Owning dogs in New York City is great. New York City is not just my apartment. It’s the whole city, you know? I can get her exercise outside of my apartment. And if she gets her energy out and sees some dogs, she’s pretty chill. She’ll just come and get pets. It’s the life that she likes living.
