We all love our dogs, and believe that ours is the most beautiful, smart, and talented four-footed creature in the world. (Ours really is. Seriously.)
I’m sure the hundreds of dog owners who enter their pups in the Westminster Kennel Club Annual Dog Show feel exactly the same way. Hundreds of tail-waggers are represented in a set amount of groupings: sporting, hound, working, terrier, toy, non-sporting and herding. Hundreds of breeds are represented within those groups, including two new ones this year: the Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes and Grand Bassett Griffon Vendéens.
They are all judged in several categories, starting with beauty, which includes height, weight, ear shape and colors–just for starters. (These canine beauties are primped every bit as much as any Miss Universe contestant.) Agility and temperament are other big factors the judges look for in judging the pooches.
Of course, the ultimate…most coveted prize is Best in Show. Last year, the trophy was snapped up by Flynn, a fetching Bichon Frise.
Dog fans love the Westminster show in particular, because it is one of the remaining benched shows, which means that the public can visit with handlers, breeders and the dogs on their “bench”. Attendees can quiz the breeders all the while getting up close and personal face time with Fido.
So here are the particulars: the competition takes place on Monday, February 11th and Tuesday, February 12th. Daytime sessions take place at Piers 92/94 (54th St. and 12th Ave.) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Madison Square Garden hosts the evening sessions between 6 and 11:30 p.m. Tickets run from $10 to $190 and can be purchased online here.
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