The 132nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show continues its storied tradition this February 11 and 12th, bringing with it the hope for dogs from around the world of securing the elusive Best In Show title.

Established in 1877, The Westminster Kennel Club is America’s oldest organization dedicated to purebred dogs. The prestigious judges are from the American Kennel Club, whose breed standards are followed to determine winners. Each breed recognized by the AKC (and many breeds who aren’t) have their own clubs. These clubs determine the ‘breed standard’ which is basically a detailed description of what an ideal example of the breed would exhibit. Conscientious and ethical breeders work to match the standard as closely as possible, contributing to the breed as a whole.

As of 1884, the AKC began requiring that all canine competitors be registered with the AKC in order to compete at Westminster. Therefore, only AKC recognized breeds may compete. As new breeds are accepted by the AKC, they may be included for competition at Westminster. This year, there are four new breeds who have been admitted to the AKC and are, for the first time, invited to participate at Westminster. These breeds are:

PLOTT - HOUND GROUP

A hunting hound of striking color that traditionally brings big game to bay or tree, the Plott is intelligent, alert and confident. Noted for stamina, endurance, agility, determination and aggressiveness when hunting, the powerful, well muscled, yet streamlined Plott combines courage with athletic ability. The Plott easily traverses various terrains with agility and speed. Loyal and eager to please, the Plott is an aggressive, bold, and fearless hunter (from the Plott Standard).

TIBETAN MASTIFF - WORKING

GROUP

 

The Tibetan Mastiff is considered by many to be the stock from which most modern large working breeds have developed. Generations of working as a guardian of women and children, has produced a temperament of fearlessness, tempered with patience, loyalty - and extreme stubbornness. The Tibetan Mastiff is a powerful dog, with a broad and impressive head, with a typical expression of watchfulness (from the American Tibetan Mastiff Association).

BEAUCERON - HERDING GROUP

The Beauceron is an old and distinct French breed of herding dog, bred and selected for their aptitude to herd and guard large flocks of sheep as well as for their structure and endurance. The ideal Beauceron is a well balanced, solid dog of good height and well muscled without heaviness or coarseness. A formidable dog, intelligent, easily trained, faithful, gentle and obedient, he demands respect wherever he goes (from the Beauceron Standard).

 

SWEDISH VALLHUND - HERDING GROUP

The Swedish Vallhund is a very old Spitz-type breed known since the time of the Vikings. Small, powerful, fearless, and sturdily-built, the Swedish Vallhund has been kept for centuries as a farm dog and used for herding cattle. The double coat and the characteristic “harness markings” are essential features of this breed. Tail may be natural or docked (from the Swedish Vallhund Standard).(above info via westminsterkennelclub.org)As of 1992, the American Kennel Club starting limiting participants by requiring that each dog had already earned a Best in Breed title.

I look forward to reporting on how this year goes! I am rooting for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!

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