The 135th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Madison Square Garden, New York City

February 14-15, 2011

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More than 25,000 canine enthusiasts came to Madison Square Garden for two days to see 2,626 dogs from 179 breeds. Best of Show was awarded to Hickory, the Scottish Deerhound to much surprise considering it’s uniquely Dr. Seuss-like build: lanky long legs, gliding slow-motion-like trot, greyhound-like curves, wiry greyish brown coat, and goatee beard.

The Westminster Kennel club was established in 1877, and is America’s second-longest continuously held sporting event, behind the Kentucky Derby. The show’s first sellout of Madison Square garden occurred in 2005, and has sold out each year since.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show comes to the world famous Madison Square Garden ironically showing at the same time as NYC Fashion Week! And in just the past decade it seems that “Designer Dogs” such as the Puggle (Pug & Beagle), the Labradoodle (Labrador Retriever & Poodle), Schnoodle (Miniature Schnauzer & Poodle), Golden Doodle (Golden Retriever & Poodle), Shorkie (Shih Tzu & Yorkshire Terrier) and Chorkie (Chihuahua & Yorkshire Terrier) have become the latest trend! Although designer dogs are cute, not all are recognized by the AKC.

However, six breeds did make their Westminster debut now that they have been recognized by the American Kennel Club and made eligible for competition in conformation shows: the Boykin Spaniel (Sporting Group), Bluetick Coonhound and the Redbone Coonhound (Hound Group), Cane Corso and Leonberger (Working Group), and the Icelandic Sheepdog (Herding Group) competed to great fanfare!

LINKS

Westminster Kennel Club

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Congratulations to “Top Dog” Hickory, the Scottish Deerhound!

Special thanks to Dennis Sprung, President & CEO of the American Kennel Club

Edited by Marie Havens

Photography and Design by Marie Havens

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