NEW YORK (AP) — The Westminster Kennel Club show is down to just seven finalists from over 2,500 dogs representing more than 200 breeds. This competition celebrates its 150th year, with each dog vying for the title of Best in Show.
Among the finalists are Zaida, an Afghan hound, JJ, a Lhasa apso, Cookie, a Maltese, and Graham, an old English sheepdog. Also competing are Cota, a Chesapeake Bay retriever, Penny, a Doberman pinscher, and Wager, a smooth fox terrier. They will face off at Madison Square Garden for the coveted trophy.
Despite not making the finals, many dogs stole the show. A Xoloitzcuintli named Calaco strutted around confidently, while Beamer, a vizsla, won hearts by jumping into his handler’s tool box. A golden retriever named Oliver drew cheers so loud they drowned out the announcer, while crowd favorites like Lumpy the Pekingese inspired chants from fans.
One standout this year was Millie, a Danish-Swedish farmdog, who made history by advancing in the semifinals. Brita Lemmon, who has championed the breed in the U.S. since 2000, noted how exciting it is to celebrate Millie’s achievements.
Winning at Westminster often favors dogs with professional handlers or experienced owners. However, reaching this level is a significant milestone. Joseph Carrero, a heavy equipment operator, relished the experience with his Neapolitan mastiff, Dezi. Carrero got his first Neo at age 35 and now takes pride in breeding and handling his dogs while juggling full-time work. “It’s tough, but we love it,” he said, as people gathered around to greet Dezi.
In an inspiring story, Natalee Ridenhour brought her Boerboel, Invictus, to compete, marking a journey from city life to rural Texas. While Invictus didn’t advance past the first round, Ridenhour found joy in the connections her dog made with visitors. She said, “The big win is getting affection from so many people.”
As dog shows continue to rise in popularity, recent surveys indicate a growing interest in diverse breeds. According to the American Kennel Club, registrations for unique breeds have increased by 20% over the past five years. This shift reflects a broader trend toward celebrating variety in dog ownership and appreciation.
For more insights on dogs and their roles in society, check out the American Kennel Club’s research on breed popularity and ownership trends.
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