The 146th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
A four-year old Bloodhound named “Trumpet” is this year’s top dog after winning “Best in Show” at the 146th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
This week, more than 3500 dogs representing more than 200 breeds and varieties competed for top honors, including two newly eligible breeds - the Mudi, a Hungarian herding dog, and the Russian Toy. The annual show runs for several days. It kicks off with the Annual Masters Agility Championship, where performance dogs climb, jump, weave, and sprint their way through a series of course obstacles. Then three days are dedicated to breed competitions. Dogs are exhibited in seven different groups, organized by the original work that each breed was developed to do. The groups include Herding, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Working, Hounds, Terriers, and Toy breeds. For the second year, the show was held on the grounds of the 67-acre Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, New York. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a wonderful way to learn about the many different types of dogs. I enjoy going to this show every year, especially when my own dogs or their relatives, and dogs I know, are competing.
Here are some photos, enjoy.
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- This is the statue of “Sensation” – a gorgeous Pointer and the Westminster Kennel Club mascot. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show launched in 1877 and is now one of the longest continuously running American sporting events, second only to the Kentucky Derby.
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- The breed shows happen in large rings, where the dogs are walked around to display their gaits and overall appearance. Here at Lyndhurst, there were a total of eight rings and each breed class is scheduled a time to compete during the day.
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- This is the Boston Terrier. Known as the “American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier is lively, smart, and affectionate with a gentle, even temperament.
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- This dog is waiting to go into the ring and working its charm for a treat from its handler.
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- The Shar Pei is a dog breed from southern China. The breed is well known for its deep wrinkles around the head, neck, and shoulders.
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- The dogs do not compete against each other, but against the standard of the breed – the dog’s ideal description for appearance, movement, and temperament described by the breed’s parent club. These Airedales may all look the same, but to the judge’s discerning eye, each one is very different.
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- In the ring, the dogs are asked to line up in a stack, so the judge can easily walk by each one and assess its appearance. I am sure you recognize this breed – the French Bulldog.
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- Show dogs are very used to all the grooming. Some breeds need more grooming than others – it is important to consider this whenever thinking of adding a dog to your family. The Bichon Frise is a member of the Non-Sporting Group of dog breeds in the US. The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy, white powder puff of a dog with a merry temperament.
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- Here is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel in the red and white colored variety called Blenheim. Its ears are lightly wrapped to keep them well-groomed before entering the ring.
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- Owners stay with their dogs in the benching area, so visitors can meet the different breeds. The Pomeranian is a compact, short-backed, active toy dog of Nordic descent. The double coat consists of a short dense undercoat with a profuse harsh-textured longer outer coat. The heavily plumed tail is one of the characteristics of the breed.
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- These Lhasa Apsos look ready to show. This breed is a Non-Sporting dog breed originating in Tibet. It was bred as an indoor sentinel in the Buddhist monasteries, to alert the monks to any intruders who entered.
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- Poodles come in three size varieties: Standards should be more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder; Miniatures are 15 inches or under; Toys stand no more than 10 inches. All three varieties have the same build and proportions. This Poodle is shown in the continental cut The Continental cut where the face, throat, feet, tail, legs, and hindquarters are shaved.
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- The Yorkshire Terrier is another breed that needs a lot of grooming for its silky, straight coat. These small dogs are popular companion animals. Ideally its maximum size is seven-pounds.
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- Teaching your dog to be still is very helpful when brushing out their coat or trimming hairs on their feet. The Schipperke, Belgium’s “little captain,” is the traditional barge dog of the Low Countries. This breed is curious, lively, fun-loving, intense, and can be quite mischievous.
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- The Scottish Terrier, popularly known as a “Scottie,” is a small, compact, short-legged, sturdily-built dog of good bone and substance. His head is long in proportion to his size distinctive furnishings at the beard, legs, and lower body.
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- The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium-sized, hardy, well balanced sporting terrier, square in outline. He is distinguished by his soft, silky, gently waving coat of warm wheaten color and his particularly steady disposition. This dog is cooling itself by spreading his entire body over the grass.
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- Tipping the scales at no more than 12 pounds, the Brussels Griffon is smart, devoted, and comically self-important. This breed come in four colors including red, black-and-reddish-brown, black and tan, and black. It also comes in a smooth coat, or in a rough coat.
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- Bull Terriers are robust, big-boned terriers. The breed’s hallmark is a long, egg-shaped head with erect and pointed ears, and small, triangular eyes.
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- Like most hairless dog breeds, the Chinese Crested Dog comes in two varieties, with and without hair, which can be born in the same litter.
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- Juniors are also invited to enter if they have been awarded Best Junior Handler at a number of member shows the previous year and who are at least nine years old and under 18. These talented handlers come from across the country to be judged on their dog handling skills.
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- And look who else is competing. This is Buddakan – my late G.K.’s son. He is a gorgeous specimen of the breed, and currently one of the top Chows in the country.
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- Here is Buddakan in the ring. He is an excellent performer and loves to compete.
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- His handler is Jan Kolnik. Here she is stacking Buddakan as the judge looks on from a distance – he really likes Buddakan.
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- And he won! Buddakan is this year’s Best of Breed – a great honor! He moves on to compete in the Best in Group competition. After the breed winners are chosen, they are photographed with their judge. Here he is with Jan and his owner, Trina Rothrock. Buddakan did a great job – I am so proud of him.
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- In the end, all these dogs are loved members of their families and alway go home winners. When thinking about sharing your home with a dog, always do your homework first and read as much as possible about the breeds and breed mixes that interest you.
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