Zeus doesn’t need a limo or a long commute to reach one of the most famous stages in sports and entertainment.

The 1.5-year-old Bedlington Terrier from Manhattan could simply walk to Madison Square Garden if he advances to group judging — and possibly Best in Show — at this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

His owner, Dr. Douglas Senderoff, says the proximity makes the moment feel even more personal.

“My sports career wouldn’t allow me to ever get to the garden, so I’m living through him. I can watch from the Delta Lounge,” Senderoff said.

What You Need To Know

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is celebrating its 150th anniversary at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 2 and 3

Several local New York City dogs, including Zeus and Roux, are competing

MSG and city food institutions are offering dog-themed menu items and cocktails during the show

Westminster officials say the anniversary celebration could become an annual tradition

 

The 150th anniversary of the world’s most prestigious dog show will be held at Madison Square Garden for two nights, Feb. 2 and 3, marking a milestone year in a venue deeply tied to the event’s history.

MSG and Westminster’s relationship dates back nearly as far as the show itself.

“The first dog show was in 1877 at Gilmore’s Garden, which turned into Madison Square Garden in 1879, and this year will be the milestone 150th year,” Josephine Vaccarello, executive vice president, Live for MSG Entertainment, said.

To celebrate the anniversary, Madison Square Garden and Westminster are leaning into a citywide party — with dog-themed food and drinks from iconic New York brands, both inside the arena and around town. The menu includes playful “barktender” cocktails like “Best in Spritz” and “The Puppy Pucker.”

Inside the Garden, vendors such as Veselka, Tao Sushi, Baked by Melissa and Paulie Gee’s Pizza are offering special items during the show.

(Spectrum News NY1/Roger Clark)

“We have the ‘Paw-peroni’ pepperoni pizza and we had the Sicilian ‘Paw-peroni.‘ We couldn’t make it look like a dog bone like some of these other interesting things but that’s what we did,” Paulie Gee said.

Beyond MSG, Funny Face Bakery is selling hand-decorated “Best In Show” sugar cookies in its shops and online, while Serendipity 3 has created a sundae featuring hickory-smoked candied bacon dipped in chocolate.

“To be able to partner with these iconic food brands in the city is super special, and I was talking to a few of them and said we need to do this every year. This should become part of the party,” Dr. Donald Sturz, president of the Westminster Kennel Club, said.

Zeus isn’t the only local dog hoping for a hometown moment.

Roux, a 3-year-old Hungarian vizla from the West Village, is also competing, with owner Toni Allocca savoring the chance to bring a neighborhood favorite into the ring.

“We’re super excited to put Roux in the ring and keep our fingers crossed. We think we have the best dog,” Allocca said.