In its 148th year, the Westminster Kennel Club dog show is set to start Saturday with an agility competition followed by a main event featuring over 2,500 dogs from 200 different breeds and varieties. The competition includes a mix of familiar breeds and rarities from around the world, with Chihuahuas being the best-represented breed this year.
For dogs to compete in the show, they must first become champions by accumulating points in the sport’s system. Ownership of show dogs may fall to breeders who determine which puppies are suited for competition, with some owners showing their own dogs and others having professional handlers. The show consists of various rounds of competition, culminating in a best in show award for the dog that best matches their breed’s standard.
While winners receive bragging rights and trophies, there are no cash prizes involved. Wire fox terriers have historically been successful in the competition, winning 15 times, with poodles also claiming victory multiple times. However, some popular breeds like the Labrador retriever have yet to win.
This year’s Westminster event comes amidst a reckoning in the dog show world, as the community faces concerns about animal rights and recent revelations of criminal acts taking place within the industry. Dr. Adam Stafford King, a veterinarian and Havanese breeder set to judge at Westminster, was arrested on federal charges of distributing child sexual abuse materials. In response to this incident and others, the American Kennel Club has implemented new safeguards to protect children and individuals within the dog show community.
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