The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Part II
A four-year-old Doberman Pinscher named "Penny," is this year's top dog after winning "Best in Show" at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
This week, more than 3000 dogs representing more than 200 breeds and varieties competed for the coveted title. The annual show runs for three days. It kicks off with the Masters Agility Championship, where performance dogs climb, jump, weave, and sprint their way through a series of course obstacles. And then two days are dedicated to breed competitions. Dogs are exhibited in seven different groups, organized by the original work that each breed was developed to do. The groups include Herding, Sporting, Non-Sporting, Working, Hounds, Terriers, and Toy breeds.
Here are more photos, enjoy.
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- One of my favorite breeds is the Chow Chow, which originated from Northern China where it was used for guarding and hunting. It is known for its lion-like mane, dense double coat, and dignified manner. My own champion Chow Chows did not compete at Westminster this year, but my dogs have been entered in years past and have shown wonderfully.
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- Here are three of the eight that competed. Chows Chows are excellent performers and this breed loves to compete.
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- The Chow Chows showed in the same ring as the French Bulldogs did earlier in the day, also under Judge Ekarat Sangkunakup.
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- This dog is shown in a stack, which refers to the technique of positioning the dog’s body and legs to highlight its physical structure, balance, and attributes.
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- Dogs are walked around the ring to show its overall gait and movement.
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- A dog’s gait is crucial in conformation competition. The dog’s back feet must move in proper synch with its front, with its head well balanced as it moves.
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- Here, the judge is giving the handler a direction to take his dog, so he can see its gait from the front and the back.
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- Chow Chows can come in several colors, including red, black, cream, blue, and fawn.
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- Chow Chows are also known for the distinctive blue-black tongue. This trait is caused by high levels of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color variations in skin, hair, and eyes.
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- Here’s a Chow relaxing in the bench area. This breed is generally very calm and stable when socialized properly.
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- And while they may be cautious with strangers, these dogs form strong bonds with their owners and families. They are loyal and intelligent.
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- Other breeds showing at Westminster include this Brussels Griffon, a small, smart, and affectionate breed of dog in the Toy Group.
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- The Australian Shepherd, often called an “Aussie,” is a medium sized herding dog known for its high activity, intelligence, and loyalty. And do you know… despite its name, it was actually developed on the West Coast of the United States.
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- The American Eskimo Dog is a double white coated breed that is friendly and playful and comes in toy, miniature and standard sizes.
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- In dog showing, there is also a category for junior handling. Children nine to 18 years old learn basic handling abilities, and how to care for, and present, different breeds in a competition. While Juniors are judged by an official AKC Judge, it’s the quality of their presentation that is judged, not the dog. This junior handler is showing her Ibizan Hound.
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- These Pulis are heading to their ring. The Puli is a small to medium sized Hungarian herding breed known for its long, corded coat. The curls are similar to dreadlocks.
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- The Beauceron is a large herding breed. It is known for its strength, versatility, and intelligence.
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- The Irish Wolfhound is one of the tallest dog breeds and loved for its gentle and calm demeanor. Males can stand nearly three-feet tall.
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- This medium sized dog is called a Mudi. It can have a wavy or smooth coat and is very spirited, energetic, and highly trainable.
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- If you’re ever in New York City this time of year, be sure to check out the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – it is informational and so much fun for the entire family. Congratulations to all the dogs that competed this year.
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