From the Westminster Kennel Club: news about next month’s show.
Westminster’s 138th show, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 10-11, drew an entry of 2,845 as America’s Dog Show extends its standing as the second-longest continuously-held sporting event in this country, a streak that began in 1877.
There are entries in 187 breeds and varieties eligible for this year’s show. Labrador Retrievers, coincidentally the most-registered AKC breed every year since 1991, leads the way with 76 entries, followed by Golden Retrievers (58), French Bulldogs (52), Rhodesian Ridgebacks (46), and Australian Shepherds (44). In breeds that combine three varieties, Dachshunds have 62 entries and Poodles 42.
The entry, subject to final audit, includes three breeds newly-recognized by the American Kennel Club that are eligible for Westminster for the first time: Portuguese Podengo Pequeno (8 entries, Hound Group), the Chinook (4, Working Group), and the Rat Terrier (20, Terrier Group).
There are also 91 entries in Junior Showmanship.
Preceding the dog show, the first Masters Agility Championship at Westminster will take place on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Pier 94. With the maximum 225 dogs entered and a prime time television broadcast on FOX Sports 1, the competition will feature dogs of all breeds and mixed breed dogs (All American dogs).
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!