The Westminster Kennel Club Names John Strong New Announcer Of Iconic Dog Show

The Westminster Kennel Club announced today that distinguished sports broadcaster, host, and play-by-play announcer John Strong will serve as the in-venue show announcer for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show when the iconic event returns to New York City in early 2027 for its 151st installment, presented by Pro Plan. For the first time ever, Netflix will stream the legendary canine competition, which serves as America’s second-longest continuously held sporting event.

Strong is the lead FOX Sports soccer play-by-play announcer and the voice of the biggest matches across various premier soccer properties, including FIFA World Cup™ and Major League Soccer (MLS). No stranger to the Westminster Dog Show, Strong has served as the play-by-play announcer of the Masters Agility Championship and host of the Best of Breed competition for seven years from 2020-2026 for FOX. He follows the historic tenure of show announcer Michael J. LaFave, who famously served as the “Voice of Westminster” since 2001 and retired after the milestone 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show earlier this year.

“As the legacy of Westminster continues, we are overjoyed to welcome John back to the show in this exciting new role,” said Dr. Donald Sturz, President of The Westminster Kennel Club. “John has called some of the world’s most historic sporting moments, including some of Westminster’s very own. We know he will bring his signature flair, expert commentary, and genuine love of dogs to every moment leading up to Best in Show.”

“I am humbled and honored to step into this prestigious role for The Westminster Kennel Club,” added Strong. “I look forward to honoring the legacy of Westminster and celebrating the future of this beloved sporting event while lending my passion for dogs and live sports experience to the world’s top canine competitors.”

For the first time, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show’s evening group judging and Best in Show competition will stream live on Netflix from Madison Square Garden on February 1-2. The daytime breed competitions at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center will stream live onwestminsterkennelclub.org/watch-live and on the official YouTube channel of The Westminster Kennel Club. Westminster’s Canine Celebration will return for its fifth consecutive year on January 30 with thrilling canine competitions at the Javits Center, including the 14th Annual Masters Agility Championship, which will be taped and streamed on Netflix at a later date.

The epic three-day, three-night competitive event will feature over 3,000 champion dogs, representing over 200 breeds from around the world, and culminating in the coveted Best in Show award on February 2, 2027, named by judge Espen Engh at The World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden. For the complete schedule of Westminster Week events and to purchase tickets, please visit westminsterkennelclub.org.

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