Old Westbury Gardens - Site of Westbury Kennel Association's first major show in 1923

The Westbury Kennel Association began informally in the late teens of the 20th century on the grounds of the Phipps summer cottage, now known as Old Westbury Gardens.  The club name derives from that pastoral venue.

Westbury’s first annual dog show took place September 7, 1923, and a complete Best In Show record dates back to 1924.  In those early years, the shows were primarily for terriers; hence the club logo, a Wire Fox Terrier.  Significantly, for three years running, 1926 – 1928, Westbury sponsored terrier-only shows before moving to all-breed competitions in 1929.  Then, in 1932, Westbury became the first club in the United States to offer Junior Showmanship competition at annual shows.

Founded long ago on one Nassau County estate, the Westbury Kennel Association currently had been holding its annual all-breed dog shows on the grounds of another magnificent property, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park, Oyster Bay, NY. In 2023 we held our shows at Smithtown Historical Society’s farm.

Westbury is committed by its by-laws to protect and advance the interest of all breeds of pure-bred dogs, encourage sportsmanlike competition and, conduct sanctioned matches, dog shows, obedience trials and other performance events under the rules of the American Kennel Club.  In addition, club members spend time and energy educating the public on a variety of canine related topics of interest, and to opposing the passage of ill-considered legislation directed at dog owners. Westbury has also had a history of making charitable donations for canine health research, service dog training and support of local animal shelters.