What sporting event was held in New York City before the Brooklyn Bridge was built? What is the second oldest, continuously held sporting event in the country (the first is the Kentucky Derby)? If you guessed The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, you get a gold star! But even if you tune in just to see the beautiful dogs prancing around the show ring like we do (more on the recent politics of the event coming later this week), it's helpful to understand some of the basics. According to this article in yesterday's Washington Times, the total number of dogs entered this year is 2,077, representing each of the 185 breeds and varieties eligible to compete (apparently there are 176 different breeds (the rest are characterized as "varieties") and each has its own 'breed standard" or "blueprint" "that specifies the physical attributes, movement, and character traits" that the dog should possess to do the job humans asked it to do, like herding sheep or burrowing into holes to kill rats.
The dogs who make it to Westminster are all champions of the dog show circuit and have accumulated "points for different levels of wins" from the various shows. At Westminster, as in other dog shows, the preliminary rounds have dogs first compete with their own breed, and one among that breed is chosen as the "best". The winners from each breed then compete in their respective "groups", of which there are seven: Hound, Toy, Nonsporting, Herding, Sporting, Working, and Terrier. The winners from each group then compete in the "Best of Show" judging, where one dog is dubbed "the best", followed by much hugging and crying among the fellow (human) owners and handlers, while the dogs wag their tails and get extra treats.
Tonight's telecast will feature live judging of the Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups, and of course, the Best in Show. (We love those terriers!) Let us know your thoughts-we'd love to hear!
The dogs who make it to Westminster are all champions of the dog show circuit and have accumulated "points for different levels of wins" from the various shows. At Westminster, as in other dog shows, the preliminary rounds have dogs first compete with their own breed, and one among that breed is chosen as the "best". The winners from each breed then compete in their respective "groups", of which there are seven: Hound, Toy, Nonsporting, Herding, Sporting, Working, and Terrier. The winners from each group then compete in the "Best of Show" judging, where one dog is dubbed "the best", followed by much hugging and crying among the fellow (human) owners and handlers, while the dogs wag their tails and get extra treats.
Tonight's telecast will feature live judging of the Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups, and of course, the Best in Show. (We love those terriers!) Let us know your thoughts-we'd love to hear!
4 comments:
There is actually a Weimaraner in the group who is a rescue and was abused. We are cheering for the Weim. :)
How I wish I could watch it over here!
Thanks for letting us know that Sagira-it makes us feel better about watching all of those pampered pooches when so many are homeless and miserable...
I wish I would have winned! Dat would be excellent. :)
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