The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Look out American Idol. My favorite reality show begins its annual two day run tonight. The World Series of the pure bred dog world is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, broadcast from Madison Square Garden in New York, for the 133rd year. Only dogs who have earned the title of champion can compete, and the competition is by invitation only. Don't expect to see your next door neighbor's Poodle here. The primped and meticulously coiffed dogs are examples of the perfect breed standard, down to an elaborate (and sometimes) over the top hairdo. It's fascinating to see just how many shapes and sizes a canine can assume.
Each champion dog will first compete in best of breed (i.e. dalmation against dalmation) until the best in chosen. The winner from best of breed will compete against best of its group (i.e. sporting dogs, working dogs, etc.). The winner of each group will then compete for the coveted title of Best in Show. Last year a local dog, Uno, an adorable beagle, was Best in Show winner.
For tonight, starting at 8pm Eastern on USA, you'll see the following groups compete: Hound, Terrier (my favorite), Nonsporting, and Herding.
For more information about the show, check out the Westminster website.
2 comments:
To the consternation of fans in Britain the BBC has decided not to televise Crufts this year. It is a row over the over-breeding of dogs and the British Kennel Club's refusal to do enough to combat the practice.
I'm not a dog show afficianado, but this must be quite an event! The pampering these pooches get defies the imagination---but I'm all for treating our four-footed friends/family members to the absolutely best! Enjoy!
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