At first glance, participating in the Westminster Kennel Club dog show might seem straightforward: acquire a dog, groom it, and guide it around a ring. However, achieving success at this prestigious event involves far more complexity than meets the eye. As the competition enters its 148th year, it faces challenges, including the loss of its show chairman last fall and the recent legal issues involving a planned judge. Here’s an in-depth look into the intricacies of Westminster, which commenced with an agility competition at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York:
THE PARTICIPANTS
Over 2,500 dogs representing 200 different breeds and varieties have entered the competition, vying for the coveted best in show title to be awarded on Tuesday night. These entrants hail from across the United States and from countries as diverse as Chile and Thailand. The roster includes both popular breeds like French Bulldogs and Labrador Retrievers, as well as more unusual ones such as Azawakhs and Norwegian Lundehunds, with the Lancashire Heeler making its debut. Notably, Chihuahuas dominate this year’s entries with 49 contenders.
Returning from last year’s semifinals are anticipated favorites, including Trouble, an American Staffordshire Terrier, and Monty, a Giant Schnauzer, currently holding the top rank in The Canine Chronicle magazine’s standings. Also in the mix are recent champions like Comet, a Shih Tzu, and Stache, a Sealyham Terrier. Zaida, an Afghan Hound, arrives fresh from a victory at the World Dog Show in Croatia, joined by formidable competitors such as Mercedes the German Shepherd and Melody the Otterhound.
The agility and obedience contests held on Saturday featured additional canine contenders, including mixed-breed participants.
ENTRY INTO THE SHOW
All dogs competing are champions in their own right, having accumulated a requisite number of points within the sport’s intricate scoring system. The journey to becoming a show dog begins with breeders selecting puppies with the ideal physical attributes and temperament for conformation competition. While some owners handle their own dogs, others enlist professional handlers who traverse the country competing nearly every weekend. Strategies may involve monitoring rivals’ schedules, researching judges’ preferences, and even advertising in canine publications to promote their contenders.
THE SHOWING PROCESS
In conformation competitions, dogs initially compete against others of their breed, with winners advancing to semifinal rounds judged against diverse breeds within their respective groups. The final showdown sees the seven group winners vying for the ultimate title of best in show. Judges meticulously assess each dog’s adherence to its breed standard, considering specific traits essential for its designated purpose. Victors are determined through a combination of hands-on evaluations and observations of the dogs’ movements, with subtle distinctions often making the difference. As insiders say, success hinges on delivering a flawless performance on the day.
REWARDS AND RECOGNITION
While cash prizes are absent, winners earn prestigious accolades and trophies. Additionally, the agility and obedience champions receive the opportunity to direct a $5,000 donation from Westminster to a training club or the American Kennel Club Humane Fund. Historically, Wire Fox Terriers have claimed the top honor 15 times, followed closely by various sizes of Poodles with 10 wins. Some breeds, like the Labrador Retriever, have yet to secure a victory, while others, such as the Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen and the Bloodhound, achieved their first best in show triumphs in recent years. Notably, all past winners of the agility and obedience contests have been purebreds, although a special award is reserved annually for the top mixed-breed competitor, referred to as an “all American dog.”
REFLECTIONS AND RECKONINGS
Westminster has faced ongoing scrutiny from animal rights activists, who criticize it as a superficial beauty pageant promoting irresponsible breeding practices and impulse pet purchases. While the club maintains its commitment to celebrating all dogs and preserving breed diversity, recent events have prompted soul-searching within the dog show community. The arrest of Dr. Adam Stafford King, a slated judge at Westminster, on charges unrelated to the event, has brought to light broader concerns about safeguarding participants, particularly children, within the sport. The American Kennel Club has responded by implementing mandatory abuse prevention training for its representatives, handlers, judges, and others involved in the community. Additionally, new policies aim to swiftly address misconduct both within and beyond the show ring, underscoring a commitment to ensuring a safe, inclusive, and family-friendly environment for all involved.