If you’re a dog fan, today is a big day. It’s the final day for this year’s Westminster Kennel Club dog show. If you’re not a big dog fan, maybe you don’t pay too much attention. But it really is like the Superbowl of the dog world.
Really, we would probably all say our own dogs should be declared top dog. You know, Best In Show. Although I know better than to think my dog, Sophie, would even come close. She’s hardly a purebred dog. Okay, I’m not even sure what all went into making my dog, but it seemed to be a pretty good combination. But it would be impossible for her to get to a show like Westminster.
First off, the Westminster Kennel Club is based in New York. It has nothing to do with the cathedral in England. It started with a group of sporting dog enthusiasts who used to meet at the Westminster Hotel in Manhattan. Their first show was May 8, 1877, which makes the Westminster Dog Show the second oldest continuously held sporting event in the United States, second only to the Kentucky Derby.
But dogs first have to earn their way to this show by getting points in other shows. Then they can enter under their breed and category, and if they win their group, they can go on to the Best In Show Competition.
I will admit, I watch. I like seeing the different types of dogs. And there are always a few that are new to me each year. I find it fun to watch them all. See how they act. See how they look. For a casual viewer like me, it’s fun. I’m sure for the handlers and viewers there is a lot more pressure. Since this is one of the biggest shows in the world. And there are always a few you like to cheer for.
And some well known and popular breeds never really seem to make the impact they should. Like the Labrador retriever. One of the most popular dogs around, but it has never been Best In Show. Although a bloodhound won two years ago, which was kind of interesting. I have to admit, I kept singing that old song about your ears hanging low while I watched. I just couldn’t help myself.
But it really is fun to see all the different dogs.
