WESTMINSTER - THE TRADITION CONTINUES!


© Marilyn Koyanagi
Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic

Feb 9, 2000


In the sport of showing dogs, there is little that can compare to the thrill of attending Westminster. The frenzy of activity, the crowds, the anticipation and the overwhelming quality of the dogs all combine to create a celebratory atmosphere supercharged with excitement.

Each year a select few emerge triumphant and join the elite group of breeders, owners and exhibitors who have achieved a win at "the Garden". It is the experience of a lifetime and a defining moment of a career in dogs.

Multi BIS, BISS
Am/Can Jpn CH Set'r Ridge
Lookin At You Kid JH

"Making his mark in the record books!"

Setter Ridge Kennels
Melissa and Paul Newman, Clinton, WA

On February 14th, Valentine's Day, dog lovers from all over the world will gather at Madison Square Garden for the opening of America's second oldest sporting event, the 124th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Long recognized as one of the world's most prestigious shows, the two day spectacular is the climax to a week long celebration filled with festivities and special events honoring the dog.

The thousands of purebred dog fanciers descending on Manhatten will enjoy a host of private functions, special art exhibitions, museum tours, theater, opera, shopping excursions and official events that include:

  • The Progressive Dog Club's All Toy Breed Show
  • Over 30 individual Breed Specialties
  • The 27th Annual Dog Judges Association of America Symposium
  • The 15th Annual Theatre Benefit for the AKC Museum of the Dog
  • Hill's Science Diet Winner's Circle Awards Dinner
  • Nature's Recipe Pet Food Show Dogs of the Year dinner
  • Kal Kan Pedigree Awards Dinner
  • Natural History Museum Dog Tours
  • Cocktail Party/Reception hosted by Iams and Canine Chronicles
  • Cocktail Party Benefit for the AKC Canine Health Foundation
  • The American Kennel Club Annual Open House
  • WKC Dinner for Judges and Members
  • Take The Lead Benefit Celebration
  • Dog Writers' Awards Dinner
  • Evolution of the Dog" Museum Tour
  • Dog Fanciers' Luncheon at Sardi's

Formed over a century ago, Westminster boasts an unparalleled history of success. With its first show, in 1877, drawing an astounding entry in excess of 1100 dogs, Westminster has set a tradition of attracting the cream of show dog competition.

While it was once open to all AKC registered dogs, steadily increasing entries eventually forced organizers to institute restrictions. Becoming first a show limited to pointed dogs only, it then had the distinction of being America's only show for Champion dogs.

This year's show began yet another new entry process with the top 5 dogs in each breed receiving invitations to compete. Of the 780 dogs invited, 603 accepted. Entries then opened to others and, in record time of less than an hour, the limit of 2500 dogs was reached.

 

Go To Page: 1 2


Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo