Dog Show 101: What's what at the Westminster Kennel Club
1 year, 10 months ago

Dog Show 101: What's what at the Westminster Kennel Club

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy To the casual viewer, competing at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show might look pretty simple: Get a dog. The process of becoming a potential best in show begins when breeders suss out which puppies in a litter have the physical attributes and disposition to shine in what's known as “conformation” competition. “An iconic dog show event in an iconic venue,” Westminster President Donald Sturz enthuses. “We can all talk about dogs,” says dog expert David Frei, who hosted the Westminster telecast for over two decades.

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History of this topic

Why Westminster show dogs have such unique names
1 month, 1 week ago

Why Westminster show dogs have such unique names

India Today  

They have names that could make a random password generator cry uncle. Her name says it all,” Fred Ortiz said as he groomed the Brussels griffon to compete Monday at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. In semifinals Monday night at Madison Square Garden, judges chose a bichon frise known as Neal; a German shepherd named Mercedes, who was last …

What makes a dog a winner? A Westminster Kennel Club judge explains
1 month, 2 weeks ago

What makes a dog a winner? A Westminster Kennel Club judge explains

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The competitors can come in forms as different as a Chihuahua, a great Dane, a bulldog and a greyhound. “When you’re judging at Westminster on any level, it’s unlike any other judging experience,” said Donald Sturz, who awarded the top prize in 2022 to a bloodhound named Trumpet. The hands-on examination ended with Sturz gently lifting Fiona …

Call it the Dog Bowl. Westminster show’s canine athletes get their piece of Super Bowl weekend
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Call it the Dog Bowl. Westminster show’s canine athletes get their piece of Super Bowl weekend

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — They’re at the top of their sport. Benny, left, and Tansey, Norwich Terriers, sit in a stroller at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, in New York. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print “I always said I wanted people to call the Super Bowl ‘the …

Dog Show 101: What’s what at the Westminster Kennel Club
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Dog Show 101: What’s what at the Westminster Kennel Club

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The Westminster Kennel Club dog show is back for a 149th year — and back at New York’s Madison Square Garden for the first time since early 2020. Or could this be the year for Monty the giant schnauzer, who was a Westminster finalist the last two years, won the American Kennel Club’s big show in December …

Dogs' digs at the Garden: Westminster show returning to Madison Square Garden next year
9 months, 1 week ago

Dogs' digs at the Garden: Westminster show returning to Madison Square Garden next year

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Westminster Kennel Club announced this week that its …

Miniature poodle named Sage clinches top prize at Westminster Kennel Club dog show, retires after winning
10 months, 1 week ago

Miniature poodle named Sage clinches top prize at Westminster Kennel Club dog show, retires after winning

Hindustan Times  

For a last hurrah, it was a Sage decision. A miniature poodle named Sage won the top prize Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, in what veteran handler Kaz Hosaka said would be his final time at the United States' most prestigious canine event. Photographers take pictures of Sage the Miniature Poodle, the winner of "Best in …

Miniature poodle named Sage wins Westminster Kennel Club dog show
10 months, 1 week ago

Miniature poodle named Sage wins Westminster Kennel Club dog show

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — For a last hurrah, it was a Sage decision. A miniature poodle named Sage won the top prize Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, in what veteran handler Kaz Hosaka said would be his final time at the United States’ most prestigious canine event. “No words,” he said in the ring to describe his …

Westminster dog show is a study in canine contrasts as top prize awaits
10 months, 1 week ago

Westminster dog show is a study in canine contrasts as top prize awaits

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. By the end of Tuesday night, one of the …

At Westminster dog show, a display of dogs and devotion
10 months, 1 week ago

At Westminster dog show, a display of dogs and devotion

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Less than three years ago, Mary Ann and David Giordano were taking turns lying on the living room floor with their Afghan hound Frankie, hand-feeding the desperately ill dog anything she would eat. Comet, a Shih Tzu, right, competes in breed group judging at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog show, Monday, May 13, 2024, at the …

Dog Show 101: What’s what at the Westminster Kennel Club
10 months, 1 week ago

Dog Show 101: What’s what at the Westminster Kennel Club

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — To the casual viewer, competing at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show might look pretty simple: Get a dog. It’s a year that has been challenging for the kennel club: The show chairman died last fall, and a planned judge was charged in March with possession of child sexual abuse materials. Also entered are Comet, a Shih …

Buddy Holly wins top prize at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
1 year, 10 months ago

Buddy Holly wins top prize at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

LA Times  

Buddy Holly is Best in Show. The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen named after a rock legend became the first of his breed to take top honors at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. “He moves just so easily, and we are just so proud of him.” Buddy Holly won the hound group competition to advance to the final round, where …

Dog Show 101: What’s what at the Westminster Kennel Club
1 year, 10 months ago

Dog Show 101: What’s what at the Westminster Kennel Club

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — To the casual viewer, competing at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show might look pretty simple: Get a dog. The process of becoming a potential best in show begins when breeders suss out which puppies in a litter have the physical attributes and disposition to shine in what’s known as “conformation” competition. “An iconic dog show event …

Canines, anyone? Westminster dog show heads to tennis center
2 years, 4 months ago

Canines, anyone? Westminster dog show heads to tennis center

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Game, set. The Westminster Kennel Club dog show is moving next year to a new venue: the home of the U.S. Open tennis tournament. The kennel club announced Thursday that canine champs will take over the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on May 6, 8 and 9. Westminster awarded its coveted best in show prize …

Westminster dog show gets 4 finalists, and one has NFL ties
2 years, 9 months ago

Westminster dog show gets 4 finalists, and one has NFL ties

Associated Press  

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Will the hound be trumpeting a victory, or is its tiny cousin toying with a win? Trumpet the bloodhound, Hollywood the Maltese, Winston the French bulldog and River the German shepherd were chosen Tuesday to advance to the final round of the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. One of Winston’s owners is defensive lineman Morgan Fox, who …

Westminster dog show gets 4 finalists, and one has NFL ties
2 years, 9 months ago

Westminster dog show gets 4 finalists, and one has NFL ties

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Trumpet the bloodhound, Hollywood the Maltese, Winston the French …

Dog show 101: What’s what at the Westminster Kennel Club
2 years, 9 months ago

Dog show 101: What’s what at the Westminster Kennel Club

Associated Press  

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — Thousands of dogs started competing Monday toward the best in show prize at the illustrious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The Hico, Texas, duo are mother and son, and he’s only 11, but “when we get in the ring, it’s gloves off – let the best mudi win,” Penny Allen said. So a borzoi’s handler, for instance, …

For dogs, Westminster show's move is a breath of fresh air
3 years, 9 months ago

For dogs, Westminster show's move is a breath of fresh air

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Ripple the Boston terrier, for one, was taking advantage …

The Westminster Dog Show Is This Weekend. Meet The Newcomers And Revisit Past Winners
3 years, 9 months ago

The Westminster Dog Show Is This Weekend. Meet The Newcomers And Revisit Past Winners

NPR  

The Westminster Dog Show Is This Weekend. Meet The Newcomers And Revisit Past Winners Enlarge this image toggle caption John Minchillo/AP John Minchillo/AP The 145th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is this weekend, and there's a lot to yap about. Enlarge this image toggle caption John Minchillo/AP John Minchillo/AP The Biewer terrier: Pronounced like "beaver," the Biewer terrier is …

No audience, new venue, but Westminster dog show barks on
3 years, 9 months ago

No audience, new venue, but Westminster dog show barks on

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — There will be plenty of tradition, pup and circumstance at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show this weekend. “But I’m just, honestly, thrilled that they were able to let us have Westminster this year.” The show kicks off with an agility competition Friday, followed by weekend events including the traditional breed judging that leads to the best …

Westminster dog show to return to NYC in January 2022
3 years, 11 months ago

Westminster dog show to return to NYC in January 2022

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Show dogs will have their day in Madison Square Garden again when the Westminster Kennel Club show returns in January after coronavirus precautions prompted a shift to the suburbs this spring. The club announced Thursday that next year’s final rounds will be held as usual at the famous arena — though earlier than normal, on Jan. 25-26. …

Wanna go for a walk? Westminster dog show leaves NYC for ’21
4 years, 5 months ago

Wanna go for a walk? Westminster dog show leaves NYC for ’21

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The Westminster dog show is set to take a long walk. The shift to the Lyndhurst site along the Hudson River in Tarrytown, New York, will mark the first time in more than 100 years that best in show at Westminster hasn’t been awarded at Madison Square Garden. “The wide-open outdoor space at this extraordinary venue allows …

Westminster and work: Some show dogs serve, search or soothe
5 years, 1 month ago

Westminster and work: Some show dogs serve, search or soothe

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — From the silky strut of Afghan hounds to poodles with coats sculpted like confections, the Westminster Kennel Club’s green carpet spotlights manicured, pedigreed canines vying to be deemed top dog. The German shepherds, Labs and other pups bred and trained by the University of Pennsylvania’s Penn Vet Working Dog Center are “almost like a whole different breed” …

Kooiker-huh? An intro to Westminster dog show’s new breeds
6 years, 2 months ago

Kooiker-huh? An intro to Westminster dog show’s new breeds

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Two new breeds. The grand basset griffon Vendeen and the Nederlandse kooikerhondje make their debuts at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show next month, each getting a nationally televised turn among the more than 200 breeds and varieties on the green carpet at the nation’s premier canine contest. About 3,200 dogs, ranging from wee Malteses to strapping …

Dog show’s young handlers take a grown-up sport in stride
7 years, 1 month ago

Dog show’s young handlers take a grown-up sport in stride

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Fenric Towell isn’t nervous about his first time competing at the nation’s top dog show. But when she started showing dogs at age 9, she decided: “This is what I love, and I didn’t really care if there were older people or not.” Or, as twin sister Emma puts it, “Let’s just show ‘em what we got.” …

PHOTOS: At Westminster, Rumor Wins — But They're All Good Dogs
8 years, 1 month ago

PHOTOS: At Westminster, Rumor Wins — But They're All Good Dogs

NPR  

PHOTOS: At Westminster, Rumor Wins — But They're All Good Dogs Enlarge this image toggle caption Drew Angerer/Getty Images Drew Angerer/Getty Images There was no end of intrigue at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show this year. Considering Westminster is the second-longest continuously running sporting event in the U.S. — second only to the Kentucky Derby — the redemptive win …

Top dogs vie for blue ribbon at New York show[1]- Chinadaily.com.cn
8 years, 1 month ago

Top dogs vie for blue ribbon at New York show[1]- Chinadaily.com.cn

China Daily  

Diamond, a Standard Smooth Dachshund wears a coat and jewels before competition at the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City, US, February 13, 2017. NEW YORK - More than 2,800 dogs, from tiny Chihuahuas to massive Great Danes, converged on New York City on Monday to compete for the top prize in the storied Westminster Kennel …

Westminster Dog Show Welcomes New Species — Cats
8 years, 1 month ago

Westminster Dog Show Welcomes New Species — Cats

NPR  

Westminster Dog Show Welcomes New Species — Cats Enlarge this image toggle caption Bebeto Matthews/AP Bebeto Matthews/AP Yes, you read that right – this month, cats will make an appearance at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The cats have been part of a separate event previously, but now will share the showcase with the dogs, Westminster Kennel Club director …

Westminster Dog Show Opens Up Competition To Cats
8 years, 1 month ago

Westminster Dog Show Opens Up Competition To Cats

NPR  

Westminster Dog Show Opens Up Competition To Cats For the first time in its 140-year history, cats will now compete in the Westminster Dog Show. ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: Of course we're talking about the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which this year, for the first time ever, will feature cats. SHAPIRO: And she insists the name of the event, the …

3 new breeds are ready to run with Westminster dog show pack
8 years, 1 month ago

3 new breeds are ready to run with Westminster dog show pack

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — A winsome but hardworking Hungarian herding dog, a swift and ancient African hound and a playful, fur-free terrier are about to get their first shot at the most famous U.S. canine championship. The pumi, the sloughi and the American hairless terrier will be newcomers at next month’s Westminster Kennel Club dog show, competing among as many as …

Many dog breeds yearn for 1st Westminster best in show
9 years, 1 month ago

Many dog breeds yearn for 1st Westminster best in show

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Wesley the Dandie Dinmont terrier could feel confident of at least one win at the Westminster Kennel Club, since he was the only contestant for best of his venerable breed. While a German shorthaired pointer called CJ notched the third Westminster win for his breed Tuesday night, dozens of other breeds, common and rare, were still waiting …

Lab takes 1st title as Westminster debuts obedience contest
9 years, 1 month ago

Lab takes 1st title as Westminster debuts obedience contest

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Sidestep in perfect pace with someone who has fewer feet than you. Heart won the Westminster Kennel Club dog show’s first-ever obedience competition Monday with a crowd-pleasing, tail-wagging display of canine deportment that included fetching a few heart-print pillows. Plus, “we had the cute factor.” Heart bested 33 other dogs in the first obedience event of any …

The big money behind best in show: How the Westminster Dog Show's four-legged TV celebrities fuel the high-dollar puppy business
9 years, 1 month ago

The big money behind best in show: How the Westminster Dog Show's four-legged TV celebrities fuel the high-dollar puppy business

Salon  

When the beagle Miss P took Best in Show honors at the 2015 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, it was reported as a huge upset within the fancier world. People who participate at events like Westminster are loathe to talk about how much money is really at stake in the show ring, but the sale of purebred dogs worldwide is …

Change to Westminster show celebrates the everydog
11 years, 1 month ago

Change to Westminster show celebrates the everydog

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — When the nation’s foremost dog show added an event open to mixed breeds, owners cheered that everydogs were finally having their day. “It’s great that people see that, ‘Wow, this is a really talented mixed breed that didn’t come from a fancy breeder,’” said Stacey Campbell, a San Francisco dog trainer heading to Westminster with Roo!, a …

Westminster dog show adds event with mixed breeds
11 years, 2 months ago

Westminster dog show adds event with mixed breeds

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Long the province of the purebred, the Westminster Kennel Club dog show is opening a doggie door this year to mixed-breed competitors. It’s a notable embrace for the nation’s premier canine event, which also is adding three breeds at next month’s show: the Chinook, the Portuguese podengo pequeno and the rat terrier. About seven years later, Palmerini …

All about ego: Westminster winners walk the walk
12 years, 1 month ago

All about ego: Westminster winners walk the walk

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Banana Joe has this little quirk. “She knows she’s awesome.” A little ego can go a long way at America’s top pooch pageant, especially heading into the best in show pick Tuesday night. “They can’t tell if a dog is on greenies.” Some things are OK. Corn starch is often used to get water off a coat, …

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