Toying with Westminster Kennel Club
A Small Invasion
Of New York City
by canines of the smallest kind
By Hope Saidel, GollyGear
The winners of the two longest-running sporting events in the history of the United States can’t even speak English. Never could. Never will. The Kentucky Derby is the oldest event. Second is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the Super Bowl of the world of dogs.
Westminster, known as “America’s Dog Show,” has a long and storied history. Westminster and Crufts, The Kennel Club – U.K., show that bills itself as the “World’s Greatest Dog Show,” are possibly the most prestigious events in the dog fancy. Participation at Westminster is limited to breed champions only, with the top five dogs in each breed recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) issued special invitations to attend. The rest of the 2500+ entries are filled by Champions wishing to test their mettle against the finest in the country.
The first Westminster winner from the Toy Group was a Toy Poodle – 50 years ago. And there have only been eight others; Pekingese in 1960, 1982 and 1990, another Toy Poodle in 1961, a Yorkshire Terrier in 1978, a Pug in 1981, a Pomeranian in 1988 and, most recently, a Papillon in 1999.
That little guy, called “Kirby,” was actually the oldest dog ever to win the Westminster Show. Officially named “Ch. Loteki Supernatural Being,” Kirby was eight years, one month and ten days old when he won. He was also the only dog to win both Westminster and the World Dog Show, beating over 17,000 other dogs.
One of the most notable toy entries was actually way back in 1894. American journalist Nellie Bly entered her Maltese at Westminster. Apparently the dog didn’t break any records, although its mistress had gone around the world in just 72 days four years before.
Many past winners of Westminster have been smaller dogs – the show is famous for recognizing Terriers, despite the fact that a Pointer is in its logo. And the ever-popular Golden Retriever has never been awarded Best In Show at Westminster. But we all watch and root for our favorites, whether it’s the dog we have, the dog we want, or the dog that’s strutting its stuff and can’t be denied.
As a nation, our fascination with the Westminster show started with the show itself. The first show in 1877 actually added a fourth day to accommodate the crowds. The proceeds from that extra day went to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
It became easier for everyone to watch the show back in 1948, when the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was televised for the first time. According to the show’s website, in 2005 during the Best In Show judging, ratings hit a 4.4 mark with 5.8 million viewers tuning in. Overall, USA Network (televising the dog show) was the top rated basic cable network in prime time for the night.
I know where I’ll be on the two nights of Westminster. Glued to the television with my dog at my side. Of course he won’t stay there long. He barks at every dog he sees on TV. I think I’ll take some aspirin before the show starts.
Toy Group Winners at Westminster:
Pekingese: 23
Pomeranian: 14
Toy Poodle: 8
Pug: 7
Yorkshire Terrier: 5
Maltese: 5
Miniature Pinscher: 4
Brussels Griffon: 4
Shih Tzu: 3
Papillon: 2
Manchester Terrier: 1
Italian Greyhound: 1
Japanese Chin: 1
Chihuahua: 1
Affenpinscher: 1
Japanese Spaniel: 1
Hope Saidel is the co-owner of GollyGear, a bricks-and-mortar and online small dog shop featuring fun, affordable and practical products for small dogs. She has trained and competed in Obedience with small dogs for over a decade and is on the Board of Directors of the North Shore Dog Training Club. She welcomes comments, questions and suggestions to Hope@GollyGear.com.
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