As you probably know, the granddaddy of all dog shows, the Westminster Kennel Club Show, is generally held in the middle of the winter in the place everyone wants to be when it’s cold, New York City. However, with ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the decision was made to make this year’s show an outdoor event, and the big show was moved to June in hopes of finding some good weather. It’s been hot hot hot in New York this week, but temperatures are supposed to moderate in time for this weekend’s event.
WKC 2021 will be held at Lyndhurst, a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in Tarrytown, New York on Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13, 2021, with live coverage across FOX Sports networks.
Westminster Weekend will kick-off with the Masters Agility Championship on Friday, June 11. The Masters Obedience Championship will be on Sunday, June 13, 2021. See the broadcast and streaming schedule for the US and Canada.
Today was the press preview, and I can tell you the location is fabulous! Lyndhurst—home to America’s finest Gothic Revival mansion just 25 miles north of New York City—is a 67-acre estate on Route 9 in Tarrytown, New York. The property was donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded not-for-profit, in 1961. The estate was designed in 1838 by renowned architect Alexander Jackson Davis. Noteworthy occupants include former New York City mayor William Paulding, merchant George Merritt, and railroad tycoon Jay Gould.
Gould’s youngest son, Frank Jay Gould, was an avid owner, breeder, and exhibitor of rough- and smooth-coated St. Bernards at Westminster in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The family offered many trophies to St. Bernard winners including the silver Gould Challenge Cup. The press preview featured a look at all of the dogs the Gould family shows or has shown: the St. Bernard, the Pug, and the Pointer.
Lyndhurst is no stranger to dog shows having hosted them for more than three decades. In 1983, the legendary New York Times dog show reporter Walter Fletcher called Lyndhurst, “one of the most beautiful show sites in the country.”
More information on Lyndhurst.
The new breeds to be shown this year were introduced to the press today, including
The Barbet, pictured at the top of this post.
The Biewer Terrier:
The Belgian Lakenois:
The Dogo Argentino:
The press event also included a look at obedience and agility. I now feel fully ready to enjoy this weekend’s show! As always, I will be live-blogging throughout the event, so check back often for videos and news.
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!