Mary Allen
Introduction: The Prestigious Westminster Dog Show
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, commonly known as the Westminster Dog Show, is one of the most prestigious competitions in the dog show world. Held annually in New York City since 1877, the event attracts top breeders and handlers from around the world. The highlight of the show is the Best in Show competition, where the top dog from each breed competes for the ultimate prize.
A Brief History of the Westminster Dog Show
The Westminster Dog Show was first held in 1877, making it one of the oldest dog shows in the world. The initial show featured only two breeds, the Pointer and the Setter, and was held in the same venue as the first American Kennel Club show. Over the years, the show has grown in popularity and size, with over 2,800 dogs from around the world now participating each year.
The Top 5 Breeds That Have Won the Most
The top five breeds that have won the most Best in Show titles at the Westminster Dog Show are the Wire Fox Terrier (15 wins), the Scottish Terrier (8 wins), the Poodle (7 wins), the Doberman Pinscher (4 wins), and the English Springer Spaniel (4 wins). These breeds have consistently performed well at the show, demonstrating their exceptional breeding and handling.
The Most Successful Breed in the Show’s Early Years
In the early years of the Westminster Dog Show, the English Setter was the most successful breed, winning Best in Show a total of four times between 1907 and 1925. The breed was known for its beauty, grace, and athleticism, and was a favorite among judges during this period.
The First Non-Sporting Breed to Win Best in Show
In 1928, the Westminster Dog Show made history when a non-sporting breed, the Bulldog, won Best in Show for the first time. The breed was not considered a top contender for the prize, but a strong performance by the Bulldog named Ch. Warren Remedy impressed the judges and secured the win.
The Reign of Terriers: A Historical Overview
Terrier breeds have been dominant at the Westminster Dog Show, with 46 wins in the Best in Show category. The Wire Fox Terrier has been particularly successful, winning the top prize 15 times. Other successful terrier breeds include the Scottish Terrier, the Airedale Terrier, and the Kerry Blue Terrier.
The Surprise Winners: Lesser-Known Breeds That Won
Over the years, there have been several surprise winners at the Westminster Dog Show, including lesser-known breeds that are not typically favored by judges. In 2011, a Scottish Deerhound named Foxcliffe Hickory Wind won Best in Show, becoming the first of her breed to win the prize. Other surprising winners include a Bichon Frise named JR in 2001 and a Beagle named Uno in 2008.
The Most Recent Best in Show Winners
The most recent Best in Show winners at the Westminster Dog Show include a Pekingese named Wasabi in 2021, a Standard Poodle named Siba in 2020, and a Wire Fox Terrier named King in 2019. These dogs were selected from a pool of top contenders, demonstrating their exceptional breeding, handling, and performance.
The Breeds That Have Never Won Best in Show
Despite their popularity and strong presence at the show, several breeds have yet to win Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show. These include the Labrador Retriever, the Golden Retriever, and the Dachshund, among others. However, these breeds continue to perform well in their respective categories and are highly regarded by breeders and handlers.
Controversial Wins: Judges’ Decisions That Sparked Debate
Over the years, there have been several controversial wins at the Westminster Dog Show, with judges’ decisions sparking debate and criticism from the dog show community. One notable example is the win by a German Shepherd named C.J. in 2016, which some felt was a political choice given the breed’s recent controversy and declining popularity.
Predictions for Future Winners at Westminster
While it is difficult to predict which breeds will win Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show, some experts believe that breeds such as the Whippet and the Havanese are likely to perform well in the coming years. These breeds have shown strong performances in their respective categories and are gaining popularity among breeders and handlers.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Prize in the Dog Show World
The Westminster Dog Show is the ultimate prize in the dog show world, with top breeders and handlers from around the world vying for the prestigious Best in Show title. With a rich history and strong tradition of excellence, the show continues to showcase the very best in canine breeding, handling, and performance.