It’s covered live on TV, has special reporters, style, excitement, and stars, but it’s not the Grammy Awards, the Golden Globes, or the Oscars…it’s the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show!
The Westminster Kennel Club’s 131th Annual Dog Show wrapped up yesterday. “Ch. Felicity’s Diamond Jim,” a.k.a. “James,” an English Springer Spaniel sprung away with the coveted Best in Show trophy.
But what is the Westminster Kennel Club and why is their show such a big deal? Let’s find out…
How It All Started
The Westminster Kennel Club first started out sans the “kennel.” In fact, it started out primarily as a shooting club and was rather unofficial. A group of men who hunted for sport used to gather in the bar at the Westminster Hotel “to lie about their shooting accomplishments.” In 1876, they decided to buy a training area, hire a trainer, and form an official club. They then decided to name it after their favorite meeting spot. Hence, the Westminster Breeding Association was born.
Strengthening Their Stock
They decided they wanted a quality Pointer to breed with their dogs. They selected George deForest Grant, one of the club’s early officials, to obtain such a Pointer from England.
The dog, Don, had an impressive show record and photograph, so to America he was shipped. His name was then changed to Sensation, and he was registered as such in Volume 1 of the National American Kennel Club’s stud book. (The National American Kennel Club later became the American Kennel Club.)
The Centennial
In 1876, America celebrated its 100th birthday. Among the celebrations was a dog show in Philadelphia that the Westminster Breeding Association assisted with. Impressed with its success, the Westminster Breeding Association agreed to change its name to the Westminster Kennel Club. Members also decided they’d hold a dog show of their own, in Manhattan, in a venue where they could judge and compare their dogs away from the field.
The First Show
In 1877, the First Annual New York Bench Show of Dogs made its debut at the Hippodrome in Gilmore’s Garden. 1,201 dogs were entered. It was originally scheduled to run three days, but because it was an instant success, it was extended to four. The fourth day’s proceeds were then donated to the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The Show Today
Only 2,500 entrants are allowed to compete. In addition to Best in Show, other trophy categories include Best of Group, Best of Breed, and Junior Showmanship. Festivities begin a week in advance, culminating in the two-day dog show.
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