Fox Sports‘ lead soccer play-by-play announcer John Strong is now sitting — and presumably staying — in the big chair.
Strong has been named the new in-venue show announcer for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, The Hollywood Reporter has learned, which returns to New York City in early 2027 with its 151st installment. Strong, who has called the FIFA World Cup and Major League Soccer (MLS), succeeds Michael J. LaFave as the “Voice of Westminster.” LaFave put 25 years into the role.
As announced in May, the Westminster dog show will stream on Netflix. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the second-longest continuously held sporting event, behind only the Kentucky Derby.
Strong is no new pup here — he’s called the play-by-play for the Masters Agility Championship and hosted the Best of Breed competition the past seven years for Fox.
“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.”
“Bark! Bark!” said the dogs, probably. (But actually, they probably didn’t — these pooches are very well-behaved.)
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 Feb. 1-2. The daytime breed competitions at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center will stream live on The Westminster Kennel Club’s website and YouTube channel. The Javits competitions begin on Jan. 30; the 14th annual Masters Agility Championship will be taped and streamed on Netflix at a later date.
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