The annual Westminster Dog Show is around the corner, and true dog lovers are metaphorically wagging their tails in anticipation. This prestigious dog event is in its 137th year, making it older than most American sports and modern day inventions, even the light bulb!
Most people don’t realize that the Westminster Kennel Club was formed by a few hunters sitting around and shooting the breeze about their dogs. Eventually, they decided to give a name to their little social club; it was named in honor of their favorite hotel, The Westminster. This group of hunting dog enthusiasts decided to sponsor an event, a show that would compare their hunting dogs against each other with certain standards in mind. Obviously, it was a great success and the rest is history.
This year’s show is scheduled on February 13-14, with the individual judging held from 8am to 6pm and the group judging held in the evening.
Currently held at Madison Square Garden, the Westminster Dog Show has seen many great dogs strut up and down the arena. Not just hunting dogs, but all breeds, from Chihuahuas to Great Danes, have had their chance to shine in the ring.
The Best in Show award from Westminster is probably the highest honor any show dog can receive. In 2011, the Best in Show was a Scottish Deerhound named Hickory Wind. Traditionally, it seems that the Terrier group and the Sporting group win the most Best in Show honors, with the Working and Non-sporting group in 3rd and 4th place respectively. The Herding group has some catching up to do, with only one Best in Show honor under its belt. The lucky dog from that group was a German Shepard named Ch. Covy Tucker Hill's Manhattan.
Unbelievably, the most beloved dog in America, the Labrador retriever, has never won Best in Show at Westminster. But, every dog has its day, maybe this year will be the Lab’s year to shine!
