NEW YORK — The prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show is underway, showcasing countless dogs across various breeds, culminating in the crowning of a single top dog. On Tuesday night, the best in show trophy will be awarded to one of the seven finalists during a ceremony around 11 p.m. at Madison Square Garden.
On Monday, four finalists were announced: a bichon frisé named Neal, a repeat runner-up whippet called Bourbon, a previously acclaimed shih tzu named Comet, and the German shepherd Mercedes, who placed second the previous year. The selection of three additional finalists will take place on Tuesday evening, with a standout named Penny the Doberman securing her spot as the best of her breed.
While Penny may appear dignified and poised, her co-owner and breeder Theresa Connors-Chan from Ontario, Canada, describes her as “a mush” and notes her bossy yet endearing nature. Winning at Westminster is deemed the pinnacle of dog show awards in the United States, with each competitor evaluated based on how closely they align with their breed’s ideal standards.
Winners receive a trophy, ribbons, and bragging rights, but there is no cash reward attached. All contenders at Westminster are titled champions, and many serve dual roles as beloved pets involved in therapy, search-and-rescue, or other canine roles. Sheree Moses Combs, a co-breeder and co-owner from Wardensville, West Virginia, remarks on the versatility of German shepherds, some of which have become service dogs for injured veterans. “Dog shows are fun, but that is what our breed is all about,” she asserts.
Tuesday marked a moment for larger breeds with “working” types taking to the ring. A notable competitor named Brina, a hefty Neapolitan mastiff weighing in at 158 pounds (71.6 kilograms), showcased her size and presence. Her owner, Yves Belmont, Ph.D., who has been fascinated with the breed since childhood, expressed admiration for their unique characteristics and intelligence as Brina rested comfortably in her crate with a two-gallon (7.5-liter) water supply.
The Westminster show serves as a reminder of the vast diversity among purebred dogs. Alongside Brina’s competition, Tyra the miniature bull terrier also displayed her charm. Officially known as GCH CH Rnr’s Top Model, Tyra was named after the well-known fashion figure Tyra Banks. Owner and co-breeder Jessica Harrison from Austin, Texas, describes the spirited terrier as “a big dog in a small package” that never fails to bring joy. When asked about Tyra’s mischief level, Harrison humorously rated it as a nine, adding, “You can’t be upset with them because they’re just so cute,” as Tyra enjoyed belly rubs from fans at the Javits Center.
Regardless of which dog ultimately takes home the coveted trophy, other competitors have certainly won the audience over. During the semifinals on Monday, spectators cheered passionately for their favorite dogs, akin to fans of local teams like the NBA’s New York Knicks and NHL’s New York Rangers. Shouts of encouragement such as “Love you, Lumpy!” resonated for a Pekingese named Lumpy, whose unique gait garnered laughter.
Calaco, a Xoloitzcuintli, also received enthusiastic applause for a confident performance that caught the judge’s attention. Xoloitzcuintlis are known for their hairless appearance and traditional roots in Mexican culture. Additionally, agility and obedience championships were showcased over the weekend, with a border collie named Vanish claiming the agility award and an Australian shepherd named Willie excelling in obedience.
