Read About Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - Facts
Type of Competition:
This a
dog show conducted annually by the Westminster Kennel Club. Location:
The show is conducted at the Madison Square Garden in New York city. History:
The Westminster Kennel Club was formed by a few sporting gentlemen some time before 1876. The first dog show was conducted in 1877 and was an instant success. It was one of the oldest sporting events in America, second only to the Kentucky Derby conducted in 1875. Initially the show was meant for sporting dogs like setters and pointers, but gradually new dogs were introduced and right now, it's a show for all the seven groups of dogs. Sanctioned:
This show is sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Entrance Procedure:
This show is only for the
dogs that have competed in other shows and emerged as champions. Only 2,500 dogs can
compete in this show. The best five dogs of the previous year are invited for the show and the rest are filled on first come basis. 
The individuals who don't get the invitation should fill an official AKC form and submit it by post. Classes:
There are seven groups that are considered for the show. They are Sporting Group (Pointer, Brittany, English Setter, Labrador Retriever etc.), Hound Group (Whippet, Greyhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Irish Wolfhound etc.), Working Group (German Pinscher, Siberian Husky, Saint Bernard etc.), Terrier Group (Border Terrier, Norfolk Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer etc.), Toy Group (Miniature Pinscher, Pekingese, Papillon, Pug etc.), Non-Sporting Group (Chow Chow, Boston Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Bulldog etc.), Herding Group (Bearded Collie, German Shepherd, Canaan Dog etc.). Judging:
Judges are appointed for each group (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding) and they look at the dogs
appearance, temperament, physical traits, gait to choose the best dogs. Awards:
Best dogs in each group are selected and from them seven dogs are chosen and awarded as First in Group. The seven First in Group dogs compete with each other and the Best in Show is chosen and awarded. This it top position in the show. The Westminster Dog Show is also the venue to give awards for writers of Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA).
