What is Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?

With the arrival of February, we can start to look forward to the dog show of all dog shows. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show takes place this month, one of the oldest, longest running dog shows of all time. So what exactly is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show? We put together some facts and information that you might be interested to know. This is America’s Dog Show with a long standing history.

So where does this show take place?
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show takes place each year at Madison Square Garden, located in New York City. It is a two day event that is televised so that dog lovers around the world can enjoy. Tickets for attending the show itself sell out yearly. This year due to construction on Madison Square Garden the Breed Judging will be taking place at Piers 92/93 with Group and Best in Show being held at the Garden.

When did Westminster Dog Show begin?
Believe it or not, the WKC began in 1977. This event is over 100 years old and still running strong.

Can any dog compete?
Dogs must fall into one of the breed categories and be pure bred. If they are not both of these things they are unable to compete in the conformation portion of the show. THis year for the first time ever there will be an agility portion which is taking place this weekend! All dogs that enter Westminster must be Champions at the time they send in their entry. There is a limit of 2,500 dogs that are accepted so some breeds have dozens of dogs in the ring while other breeds might only have 2 or 3 competing.

What happens to the winning dog?
The winning dog adopts the name, “America’s Dog” over the course of the next year. The dog and his handler will then begin touring and doing promotional appearances. The New York Stock Exchange even invites the winner to ring the opening bell. The winning dog starts off his or her reign with interviews the very next morning and off to lunch for their very own steak! Served in the dinning room at Sardi’s a NY landmark.

During the course of the show The Empire State Building lights up purple and gold, the official colors of the Westminster Kennel Club.

While labs are very popular in the US, they have yet to win a Best in Show title at the event.

Interested in seeing what all of the fun and fuss is about?
Live streaming of all breed judging will be available on westminsterkennelclub.org and on the official 2014 Westminster Show App.
Monday night Group Judging is LIVE ON CNBC from 8-11 PM and Tuesday Night Group Judging and Best is Show is LIVE ON USA from 8-11 PM

Note: If you would like to find more in depth information about Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show visit www.westminsterkennelclub.org