A Canine Event: The Dog Show Westminster

The Westminister Dog Show is one of the largest and most prestigious dog shows in the world, as well as one of the most popular. The Westminister Dog Show, which is sometimes referred to as the Dog Show Westminister, has been in place for more than one hundred years. More than a century ago, the Westminster Kennel Club was established for sporting dog enthusiasts. The group met at the Westminster Hotel in New York City and tried to raise interest in dogs. The men who ran the club hoped that raising interest would create better breeds of dogs. In order to meet their goals, the men decided to hold a yearly dog show in New York. Thus, the Westminister Dog Show was created. The first Westminister Dog Show was held in 1877 and was modeled on the dog shows that were already successful in England and in Philadelphia. The show proved to be an immediate success. In fact, the first Westminister Dog Show in 1877 attracted so many curios visitors and so many exhibitors that the Westminister Kennel Club had to extend their dog show for an extra day. The Westminister Dog Show has been a staple in New York ever since, held annually in February at the Madison Square Gardens. Each year, the Westminister Dog Show runs for two days and includes many exhibitors and visitors. The Westminister Dog Show is considered to be one of the oldest sporting events in the country, and it has been held each year despite numerous disasters and crises. It is estimated that more than 250 000 dogs have been shown at the Westminister Dog Show since the show began. Today, dogs from all over the world compete at the show, although

today the Westminister Dog Show only accepts dogs who have already earned their AKC champion of record title. The Westminister Dog Show is now a huge event offering many prizes. The most coveted title is the prestigious Best in Show Prize. Each Westminister Dog Show takes careful preparation to ensure a great show and complete fairness. Planning for the Westminister Dog Show begins two years before the show is to take place. Two years before each Westminister Dog Show, the Show Committee selects about forty judges who will judge the show and begins the process of screening applicants for the show. Days before the show, the exhibitors and areas are prepared for the dog show.