Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: A Look Back At A Storied Event
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is an illustrious event that has been held annually since 1877. It is the second-longest continuously-running sports event in the United States, second only to the Kentucky Derby. The event has been held at Madison Square Garden since 1883, and is considered to be the most prestigious event for purebred dogs in the world.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was founded by a group of New York sportsmen who wanted to promote the sport of purebred dogs. The first show was held on May 8, 1877 at Gilmore’s Garden, now Madison Square Garden. It was an immediate success and has been held at the same venue ever since.
What Is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a two-day event that celebrates the beauty, intelligence, and athleticism of purebred dogs. It is also an opportunity for breeders to showcase their dogs. The event includes a variety of different competitions, such as agility, obedience, and conformation.
The conformation portion of the show is the most well-known. This is where the judge evaluates the dog’s physical characteristics and movement to determine which dog best conforms to the breed standard. The dog that is chosen is then declared the Best in Show.
What Breeds Are Eligible for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is open to purebred dogs of all breeds and varieties, both domestic and foreign, that are recognized by the American Kennel Club. The show also includes several non-AKC breeds, such as the Chinese Shar-Pei and the American Hairless Terrier.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show also offers several competitions for mixed-breed dogs, such as the Masters Agility Championship, the Masters Obedience Championship, and the Masters Rally Championship.
How Does the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Work?
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a two-day event held in the spring. The first day of the show is devoted to the conformation portion, while the second day is dedicated to the competitive events and the Best in Show competition. During the conformation portion of the show, dogs are judged by a panel of experts and their owners must present the dog in a professional and efficient manner.
The competitive events, such as agility and obedience, are judged on how well the dog performs a specific task. The Best in Show competition is held on the second day of the show and is judged by a panel of experts. The dog that wins the Best in Show competition is recognized as the top dog of the show.
What Is the Prize for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?
The winner of the Best in Show competition at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show receives a variety of prizes, including a trophy and a cash prize. The winner also receives a trip to the next year’s show and a place of honor in the Westminster Kennel Club Hall of Fame.
In addition to the Best in Show competition, several other awards are given out at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. These awards include the Best of Breed, Best of Group, and Best of Variety competitions.
Conclusion
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is an event that has been held since 1877 and is considered to be one of the most prestigious events for purebred dogs in the world. The show is open to all breeds and varieties of purebred dogs and also includes several competitions for mixed-breed dogs. The dog that wins the Best in Show competition is recognized as the top dog of the show and receives a variety of prizes and honors.