The 149th Westminster Dog Show is on the horizon, promising an exciting return to New York City after five years. This prestigious event will take place live from the Javits Center and Madison Square Garden, showcasing the finest dogs from around the globe.
Exciting Schedule of Events
The festivities kick off with the 12th Annual Master Agility Championship on Saturday, February 10, from 4:30-7 p.m. ET on FOX. Following the Super Bowl on Sunday, the competition will shift to the conformation portion, featuring best of breed judging on Monday, February 10, from 1-4 p.m. ET on FS2. The evening will culminate in group judging at 7 p.m. ET on FS1, with the excitement continuing on Tuesday, February 11, when the coveted best in show title will be awarded.
A Historic Tradition
The Westminster Dog Show is not just a competition; it is steeped in history. “This is the 149th edition. I mean, this is the second-oldest continuous sporting event in American history,” says FOX Sports play-by-play announcer John Strong. The anticipation for next year’s 150th edition is already building.
For competitors in the dog show world, winning at Westminster is akin to clinching the Super Bowl title. Strong emphasizes, “There is no greater title than Westminster. There is no greater show than Westminster. There is no greater honor for a dog, breeder, handler, or owner than best in show at Westminster.”
The Honor of Participation
Participating in the Westminster Dog Show is a privilege that extends beyond the competitors. Host Jenny Taft notes, “Winning Westminster is like the ultimate honor, but also judging Westminster is the ultimate honor.” The show consists of two main components: the conformation and the agility championship.
Champion Dogs and Qualification Process
Just qualifying for the Westminster Dog Show is an achievement in itself. All competing dogs are champions that have excelled in various events worldwide. Taft explains, “There are a lot of different ways you can qualify to get to Westminster. But, really, they’re all champion dogs, so they’ve all done well and competed and won in different events.”
To qualify, dogs must not only compete in different shows but also earn a specific number of awards. Once they qualify, the first round involves best of breed judging, where dogs of the same breed compete against each other. Judges assess various traits, including gait, measurements, and even dental health.
Understanding the Judging Process
Strong describes the judging process as a “science,” as judges meticulously compare dogs within the same breed. The Westminster Kennel Club maintains standards for each breed, which include ideal physical traits and behaviors. If a dog excels in the best of breed round, it advances to the group classes.
The group classes categorize dogs into seven distinct groups, and once a dog wins best of breed, it competes against other winners in its respective group. Strong notes that as the competition progresses, the focus shifts to the dogs’ personalities. “When you get later in the competition, that’s when it becomes about personality as much as anything else,” he explains.
The Path to Best in Show
To reach the best in show competition, dogs must finish first in their group. This stage is unique because the judge is entirely unfamiliar with the contestants, having been kept in seclusion for two days. Strong elaborates, “You’ve gone from 200 breeds down to those final seven. The judge will determine which of these seven dogs is the best example of their breed.”
The ultimate recognition, best in show, and its runner-up, reserve best in show, are awarded based solely on the judge’s firsthand impressions. Notably, once a judge has presided over the best in show, they will not judge again in future events, making it a prestigious honor.
A Unique Competition Experience
One of the most appealing aspects of Westminster is its unpredictability. Taft explains, “There are no points going in, and it’s how they present themselves in the ring. It ultimately is a personal choice.” This subjective nature adds to the excitement, as fans may have differing opinions on the best in show winner.
In addition to the conformation events, the agility championship showcases the athletic prowess of both the dogs and their handlers. Handlers receive a course outline just minutes before the competition, highlighting their need for speed and agility to lead their dogs through an unfamiliar course.
Returning to Madison Square Garden
After four years away, the Westminster Dog Show is thrilled to return to Madison Square Garden, a venue that Strong believes is its rightful home. “There is something about Madison Square Garden. New York City is the great American city, and Westminster is home in Manhattan,” he affirms. The energy and excitement of the venue promise to elevate the experience for both competitors and spectators.
Final Thoughts on the Westminster Dog Show
As the countdown to the Westminster Dog Show progresses, the anticipation is palpable. With the agility championship set for Saturday and the conformation events starting Monday, dog lovers and sports enthusiasts alike are ready to witness a remarkable celebration of canine excellence. The winners may not receive prize money, but the honor of being crowned the best at Westminster is a reward in itself.
Catch all the action as FOX covers the Westminster Dog Show, sandwiched between their Super Bowl coverage. The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will go head-to-head in the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 11, at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
