With the upcoming Westminster Dog Show making it’s rumblings known and if you are a dog lover this is likely one of your favorite moments of 2012. The hype surrounding this annual event may not be that of America’s other pastimes but on its own right is just as exciting for not only steadfast canine lovers but the casual dog liker!
Every year owners and handlers of these breeds make every effort to be the number one pooch in the country. This year the WKC has allowed six new entries into the show, including the American English Coonhound and Finish Lapphund ( the Finish Lapphund is all the buzz for making the cut to appear after being allowed to do so by the American Kennel Club). The Finish pup is a small to medium canine and very durable dog that generally has a size of 19 inches (49cm) for the male. They are very intelligent and playful. I realize WKC has allowed other breeds recognized by the AKC but this most recent group of new comers are very formidable out of the gate.
Having 2 daughters (now grown) that are both animal lovers, we would make it a big to-do every year (no we didn’t have WKC party’s but we would definitely make it noteworthy). During the show, my daughters and their mother and I would select our favorite dog and cheer for it till the end. Even so far as trash talking the others canine choice of the show! This year the Hound is expected to do well in the show after the Scottish Deer Hound won last year’s best of show. It’s hard to knock out the champ from the previous year. This showing will have the hound in the minds of the judges. That being the case, the tried and true breeds are always favorites. It will depend on what the judge is looking for.
Now although the WKC has several different categories for dogs, handlers and owners to compete, the crown jewel of this event is “Best in Show” as this is all the judges” favorite pick overall. Even if a judge has strong feelings for a different breed they’d want to place best of show. This is why the excitement is truly palpable during the final rounds. Serious WKC fans know the judges, the dogs and owners as well. I am a Labrador owner and have never understood the Lab’s absence from best in show. Since the WMS originated in 1877, the Lab was never selected until February 2005. This is regrettable in my mind because the WKC was created by men who owned sporting dogs. Is there a dog more sporting than the Lab? The seemingly lack of respect by the judges towards this wonderful breed can only come from bias towards the Lab’s playful temperament which I think is an attribute. However when it comes to obedience the Lab can develop a stubborn streak.
For the handlers, this event is their opportunity to show how well they present the dog. Armed with brushes, combs, leashes and a few doggie treats, they line up with the pooches in the trenches (I have made the point for years to my daughters that it is not like dogs are competing against each other that they are competing against one judge’s opinion) to show their the best in the ring.
During this year’s show and recalling previous years of watching the WKC in the back of my mind I’ll be thinking about calling my daughters and making our annual (friendly) bets as to whom the winner (I normally win, much to their dismay) will be this year. After evaluating the field, I am going with the American Blood Hound. This group may be newly accepted by the AKC but has a long and storied history and special place in the American psyche. The ABH also is quiet and not aggressive to other dogs or their master. I think it fitting for the ABH to place minimally but I’m hoping for a win in Best of Show!
If all else fails for prognostications for “Best in Show” your best guess would be to go with the English Setter or American Setter for they have won an impressive 17 times since the first West Minster Kennel Club dog show in 1924.