A Day at the Garden – 2010 Westminster Dog Show

Morning has dawned at the 134th Westminster Dog Show. The first breeds have entered the ring and the crowds are beginning to file in.

Westminster is the only champions-only dog show in the U.S. Every entry must first compete against the other dogs in its breed. Only one representative from each breed, the Best of Breed winner, will advance to compete in the Group competition show which is televised in the evening. While the Best of Breed award is the one every owner and handler is dreaming of, awards are also given out for Best of Opposite Sex to Best of Breed and a couple of Award of Merits based on the total entry in the breed.

Westminster is unique in that it is one of the few remaining benched dog shows left. A benched show is different from regular shows in that dogs are required to check-in in the morning, and then remain at their bench, unless being groomed, exercised or shown. While it makes for a long day for the dogs and handlers, it is a terrific experience for spectators to walk in the benching area, see a number of their favorite breeds up close and talk with the breeders and owners.

With today being Presidents Day, the crowds are even stronger than normal. It can take 10 minutes to walk the 50 or so yards across the floor. It takes a great personality in the show dogs to stand-up to the noise and hustle & bustle of Westminster.

The Groups start at 8pm EST this evening. I will be seated in the media seats at the far end of the ring, making observations, taking pictures and passing them along.

Day 1 Breed Judging
Basset Hound Dog	Petits Bassets Griffons Vendeen
Phalene Papillon	Shetland Sheepdog
Bulldog	Toy Poodle
Smooth Collie	Rough Collie

Tagged as: Dogs, Westminster, Westminster Dog Show

---

About the author: Matt Stelter owns and operates Wyndlair Collies, breeding AKC Rough & Smooth champion Collies in Northern Wisconsin. Matt and his wife, Anita, have both been active in the sport of purebred dogs for over 20 years. Matt was a multiple Best in Show and National Specialty-winning handler before becoming an AKC-licensed dog judge in 2008. He's also an internet specialist at Drs. Foster and Smith, where he's worked in various positions since 1993. Matt earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay. See more articles by Matt Stelter.