NEW YORK — Elite canines showcased their agility skills during this weekend’s anticipated championship event at the Westminster Kennel Club show. This ongoing competition began Saturday, featuring various canine sports that capture the excitement of dog enthusiasts and spectators alike.
Often dubbed the Super Bowl of dog shows, Westminster has drawn comparisons to professional football this year as it coincides with the Super Bowl matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. This rare overlap in scheduling arose after both events adjusted their dates over recent years.
David Frei, a prominent figure in the dog show circuit, humorously remarked about the contrasting stature of sporting events, saying he wished the Super Bowl would be regarded as “the Westminster of football.” It’s worth mentioning that Westminster predates the Super Bowl by a significant 90 years, adding an intriguing historical perspective to the comparisons.
Connections between the NFL and Westminster have emerged as several players, including Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, are known dog owners. Notably, Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Morgan Fox has ties to a French bulldog that narrowly missed top honors at Westminster in 2022 and returned as a finalist in 2023.
For participants, including Guster the rescue pug and his owner Steve Martin, being part of Westminster was a fulfilling achievement. Guster initially sparked interest in agility by showing excitement while watching agility events on television.
“The journey to being here has been unbelievable,” said Martin, who hails from Austin, Texas. The competition boasted around 350 champions, with a border collie named Vanish taking home the top trophy. Handler Emily Klarman praised Vanish for her intelligence and natural abilities, and while Klarman soaked in the victory, Vanish celebrated with joyful barks.
In a noteworthy achievement, a large mixed-breed dog named Gable received a special award for being the best of his category among assorted breeds. Westminster embraced mixed-breed competition in agility for the first time in 2014, a move that was welcomed since it had not featured them since the 1800s. Last year’s inaugural mixed-breed winner, Nimble, a border collie-papillon mix, was also present, indicating the growing recognition of various dog breeds in agility events.
The sport of agility not only promotes physical activity but also provides opportunities for rescue dogs, like an Australian cattle dog mix named Sawyer, affectionately dubbed Soy Sauce. His owner, Dr. Amy Ondeyka, emphasized the joy and excitement he brings, despite her busy life as an emergency room doctor in New Jersey.
While agility helps some dogs expend energy, it has also encouraged others like Tully, a shaggy Labradoodle mix who was previously timid but has now embraced the thrill of competition, as shared by owner Carla Rash.
Saturday’s events showcased a diverse lineup of canines, ranging from a great Dane to a seven-pound papillon, along with other less common breeds such as a large Munsterlander and a Danish-Swedish farmdog. These dogs tackled various obstacles including jumps, tunnels, and ramps, guided by their handlers’ vocal commands and gestures to achieve the fastest time while avoiding errors.
Spectator reactions highlighted the fun nature of the event, with incidents like a bichon frise sporting a blue-dyed tail or a standard poodle taking its time on an A-frame ramp. Another competitor, a curly-coated mix, exhibited hesitation with the weave poles, adding spontaneous humor to the event.
The traditional breed-by-breed judging at Westminster will take place on Monday and Tuesday, culminating in the eagerly awaited best in show award on Tuesday night. While this prestigious accolade is exclusive to purebreds, Saturday also showcased mixed-breed participants in the obedience competition, which has been part of the program since 2016. This year’s obedience winner was Willie, an Australian shepherd, who previously won in 2022 with handler Kathleen Keller from New Jersey.
Attendees expressed excitement over personal victories as well. Steve Wesler cheered on his partner Jennifer Weinik, who performed with her Belgian Malinois named Cookie. He claimed their achievements at Westminster were more thrilling than the Super Bowl itself due to his belief in the Eagles’ victory possibility.
Although no cash prizes are awarded at Westminster, the winners of agility and obedience events receive an opportunity to designate a $5,000 donation to a training club or the American Kennel Club Humane Fund, lending a charitable aspect to the competition.
Additionally, Westminster featured its inaugural flyball demonstration, a lively relay race where dogs retrieve a ball. Competitor Hillary Brown captured the chaotic energy of the sport while participating with her Boston terrier Paxil, celebrating the teamwork among her squad of dogs.
“It’s truly a fun experience, and the dogs thrive on it,” Brown stated, reflecting on the positive atmosphere of the events. This year’s Westminster show promises not only competition but also joy and community through shared love for dogs.
