By Heather Stein

Photos by Geoffrey Potter

New York has always possessed a talent for spectacle, yet even by Manhattan standards the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show felt exceptional. The city did not merely host the anniversary. It wore it. Purple and gold glowed across the skyline, reflecting off glass towers and winter clouds alike. Conversations in taxis, cafés, and crowded sidewalks drifted effortlessly toward favorites and predictions. For one glittering week, Westminster was not simply a fixture on the calendar. It became the gravitational center of the city’s attention, blending tradition, glamour, and unmistakable excitement.

A century and a half is a remarkable lifespan for any institution, particularly one that continues to feel so vividly alive. Established in 1877, Westminster occupies a singular place in American culture. It is both a sporting tradition and a cultural ritual, woven deeply into New York’s identity. Generations of dogs, handlers, judges, and spectators have passed through its rings, each contributing to a living history that feels less preserved than constantly renewed. Westminster does not feel antique. It feels permanent, as much a part of the city’s rhythm as the avenues themselves.

The Westminster Kennel Club’s roots are inseparable from New York. The club was founded by a small circle of sporting gentlemen who gathered at the Westminster Hotel in Manhattan, a fashionable establishment of the late nineteenth century. Though the hotel itself has long since vanished, its name endures as one of the most recognizable brands in the canine world. Historical records frequently note the club’s intentionally limited membership, a tradition that persists today. The number, often cited as thirty-seven-members, reflects an organizational philosophy rooted in stewardship and continuity rather than expansion. From its earliest days, Westminster was conceived not merely as a show, but as a standard bearer.

New York in the 1870s was a city intoxicated by transformation. Elevated trains thundered overhead. Electric lighting began reshaping the night. Grand public venues rose as monuments to civic ambition. Into this landscape arrived the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, first staged at Gilmore’s Garden, the arena that would later evolve into Madison Square Garden. That connection between Westminster and the Garden would become one of the most enduring relationships in American sport. Few venues better embody New York’s flair for drama, prestige, and theatrical anticipation.

Dr. Donald Sturz, president of The Westminster Kennel Club, captured the resonance of the milestone with clarity and warmth. “The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a celebration of the universal love of dogs, a sentiment that has woven its way through the fabric of our country’s history, in both good times and bad.” His words carry particular weight in New York, a city defined by resilience and reinvention. Westminster’s longevity mirrors that same spirit, enduring across wars, economic upheavals, and sweeping cultural shifts while keeping its distinctive character.

By the time the spotlight settled on the Best In Showring at Madison Square Garden, anticipation had reached a near cinematic intensity. Penny, the four-year-old Doberman Pinscher formally known as GCHP Connquest Best Of Both Worlds, entered with composure that seemed to quiet the vast arena. Handled by Andy Linton, she moved with confidence and precision, ultimately claiming Best in Show before an audience keenly aware of the moment’s significance. In an anniversary defined by reflection, Penny’s victory felt instantly historic.

In the glow of celebration, a simple exchange offered one of the evening’s most memorable moments. When reporter Heather Stein asked about Penny’s favorite command, Linton responded with a smile and relaxed candor. “Yea, it’s time to eat!” The audience erupted with laughter and affection. The remark resonated not because it was humorous, but because it was disarmingly true. Beneath Westminster’s polish and prestige are dogs whose pleasures stay wonderfully uncomplicated.

Reserve Best In Show went to Cota, the five-year-old Chesapeake Bay Retriever known as GCHP Next Generation’s Accelerate, handled by Devon Kipp Levy. The pairing felt symbolically perfect. A Doberman and a retriever, elegance beside athleticism, each embodying different facets of canine excellence. Such contrasts have always defined Westminster, a showcase not only of winners but of remarkable diversity.

The week itself unfolded as a meticulously choreographed social season for the canine world. At the Jacob K Javits Convention Center, more than 2,500 entries competed in Best of Breed judging, transforming the vast glass structure into a vibrant temporary metropolis. Grooming areas buzzed with concentration and camaraderie. Ringside spectators navigated aisles with the easy familiarity of seasoned attendees. Veterans of the sport greeted newcomers, creating an atmosphere that felt less like rivalry and more like reunion.

The anniversary extended beyond the show venues into Manhattan’s cultural landscape. The AKC Museum of the Dog presented a special exhibit titled The Life of a Show Dog: Celebrating 150 Years of Westminster. The exhibition offered visitors an immersive exploration of the sport’s history, artistry, and human stories. Trophies, archival photographs, and rare artifacts combined to create a narrative that felt deeply personal rather than purely historical. The exhibit ran through March 22, 2026, providing a lasting tribute to the milestone year.

Christopher E. Bromson, CEO and Executive Director of the AKC Museum of the Dog, spoke passionately about the exhibition’s significance. “There are few events as inseparable from New York City as the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, making The Life of a Showdog, a natural home at the Museum of the Dog. This exhibition offers our guests a rare glimpse behind the show ring and into the rich history of the sport.”

Among the exhibit’s most evocative pieces, Bromson highlighted a particularly intimate artifact. “The grooming table, tools and crate of legendary handler and judge, Anne Rogers Clark.” The items possess extraordinary symbolic power, representing not only one towering figure but generations of dedication, discipline, and artistry.

Madison Square Garden delivered its own procession of unforgettable moments. Zaida, the Afghan Hound, claimed the Hound Group with unmistakable elegance. Cookie, the Maltese, radiated polish, and precision. JJ, the Lhasa Apso, carried quiet authority into the Non-Sporting Group. Graham, the Old English Sheepdog, charmed audiences with charismatic presence. Each victory added texture to a celebration defined as much by personality as performance.

The Canine Celebration infused the week with exuberant athleticism. Nearly 500 dogs competed in agility and flyball, transforming the Garden into a stage for speed, precision, and pure joy. Amber McCune’s Border Collie Prove It captured the Masters Agility Championship with breathtaking velocity. McCune’s reflection distilled the emotional intensity behind the triumph. “Prove It winning is so very special to me and I couldn’t be prouder of him. As an owner handler and breeder of the special boy, my heart is overflowing with gratitude. Prove It truly is a once in a lifetime dog and I am so so lucky to have him as my teammate and best friend.”

Flyball returned with kinetic energy and roaring crowds. Cindy Henderson, NAFA Supervising Judge and owner of the Wicked Runners Flyball Club, conveyed the sport’s thrill and precision. “Flyball is a fast-paced sport featuring two teams of four dogs each racing side by side against each other running over jumps, retrieving a ball, and then back over the jumps.” Her description captures the mechanics, though the spectacle itself defies simple explanation.

“There are definitely nerves before the race starts but once we start, I go into competition mode,” Henderson explained. Westminster’s scale transforms the experience. “At Westminster we are so lucky to have huge crowds of people watching the event and cheering on the dogs. They make it so much fun for the competitors, and the dogs really get excited and run faster with all the encouragement.”

Agility competitors supplied equally resonant narratives. Erin Hoverson’s Shadow, a Stabyhoun and the only representative of the breed ever to compete in Westminster agility, became a quiet ambassador. “Shadow is usually noise sensitive, but he was thrilled to be at Westminster this year and really seemed to feed off the energy in the building.” Such stories illuminate Westminster’s distinctive emotional landscape, where personal triumphs stand alongside grand victories.

Jeffrey Tripp and his Cardigan Welsh Corgi Jack embodied yet another dimension of Westminster’s enduring charm. “My dream of making the finals at Westminster was reality now!!!” he recalled. At the conclusion of their run, spontaneity overtook ceremony. “I took Jack’s paw, and I waved at the crowd. And the crowd loved it and exploded with happiness.” Moments like these reveal Westminster’s unique ability to merge prestige with genuine warmth.

Corporate partnerships also formed part of the anniversary narrative. Gianna DeiSanti, Director Brand Marketing for Purina Pro Plan, emphasized the continuity between nutrition and excellence. “The Best in Show winner, Penny, the Doberman Pinscher, is the nineteenth of the past twenty Best in Show winners fed Purina Pro Plan dog food. For Purina Pro Plan, we are ecstatic to provide the fuel for life for these exquisite show dogs.”

Across 150 years, Westminster has remained one of New York’s most distinctive rituals. It is heritage animated by living participants. It is precision infused with emotion. Above all, it is a testament to the enduring bond between dogs, their people, and the city that continues to celebrate them with unmatched enthusiasm.

By Tom Grabe

Sportsmanship. That elusive quality that is inherent in some fortunate individuals and sadly lacking in many others. There is more to being a good sport than congratulating a competitor after they’ve beaten you. No, being a good competitor and practicing good sportsmanship goes much, much deeper than that.

Have you ever stood outside the ring and listened to the chatter of the exhibitors? Have you ever heard someone demean the winner and those that deemed him so? Have you ever been the subject of that conversation? If so, then you know what it’s like to be on the receiving end. If not, you should pay a little more attention, and learn from others’ mistakes.

Here’s a little test to see how good your sportsmanship skills are. When you suffer a tough loss, do you honestly evaluate your competition to determine whether that dog were capable of beating yours? Do you keep disparaging remarks to yourself? Do you think about the rest of the exhibitors that wanted to win as badly as you did? And, most importantly, when you win, do you behave in a normal fashion that is not perceived as gloating? If you answered no to any of these questions, you may need an attitude adjustment.

Click here to read the complete article
10 – September, 2025

By Tom Grabe

Most of you have either heard or read about the challenges the American Kennel Club is currently facing. Whether it’s plummeting registrations, declining participation at dog shows, internal conflict, or being sued by PETA, they have serious problems that would seem to require an all-hands-on-deck search for solutions. Yet, somehow they seem to dwell on minutiae that, in some cases, exacerbates these issues.

A couple decades ago, AKC developed and released the Code of Sportsmanship. The intent was to reaffirm how registrants and participants should behave when interacting with each other, club officials, and AKC. I assume AKC refers to staff and board officials. A few years ago, AKC released its AKC Policy on Social Media Complaints which used the Code of Sportsmanship as its basis but applied it to social media posts, conversations, etc. I believe the intent of these rules was to promote civility, fairness, and good sportsmanship amongst those who operate in AKC’s ecosystem. Whether it worked or not depends on who you are. The old adage, “Beware of unintended consequences,” comes to mind.

The problem with rules and regulations is they are promoted as being the remedy to a particular situation that is assumed to be a common problem. Sometimes, that’s true, but other times the ‘situation’ is anecdotal and may not need a rule to correct it. Nevertheless, the rule is implemented and, in theory, the problem goes away. But it doesn’t.

Sometimes, the rule becomes a weapon others use to go after someone they don’t like. Other times, that rule is applied to those without power or who are out of the favor of those in power. Justice is applied swiftly and severely to those previously mentioned, while those who curry favor or hold power somehow have their transgressions overlooked.

Click here to read the complete article
10 – August, 2025

By Tom Grabe

Remember the tongue twister that began with, “How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?” Maybe we need a couple of variations on that old saw such as, “How many times can a judge judge shows if a judge could judge each day?” Or “How many shows can a show dog show at if shows are held numerous times throughout the day?” I know, not nearly as catchy, but you get the drift.

Things have changed since the days when I was a professional handler. I  was also a show chairman, so I have a bit of experience on that side of the fence, too. I am going to sound old here, but the rules were more simple then. There were no back-to-back shows for the same kennel club, only a few clusters existed; and specialties were either held on a separate day or, if they were held the day of the all breed show within 200 miles of it, there was no competition for that breed at the show. We never had Bulldogs at our show due to this rule. NOHS competition was not even on the radar at that time.

So, fast-forward over 30 years and, as we all know, the rules have changed, and changed again, and again. Now, we have five-day clusters made up by two clubs with back-to-back shows plus a single day show for another club. There are specialty shows–designated or concurrent–held during or within hours of the all breed show. We have NOHS breed, group, and Best In Show competition at most shows. And we can’t forget the group shows–shows for a specific group–that are now being held during the show. Finally, we have non-regular classes and special attractions i.e. Best Bred-by, Best Puppy, Best Veteran, and sweepstakes.

Click here to read the complete article
10 – July, 2025

By Tom Grabe

In the world of purebred dogs, we pride ourselves on precision, planning, and passion. Yet lately, the dog show calendar reads more like a cautionary tale from a business textbook than a roadmap to breed excellence. The hard truth? We are facing a classic economic imbalance: too much inventory, and not enough buyers.

Consider this. In retail, if you open a new store every time sales dip, you don’t fix the problem—you multiply it. Per-store revenue falls, staff is stretched thin, and customer engagement drops. The market doesn’t need more outlets. It needs stronger ones.

The dog show world is no different.

In the past decade, the number of conformation shows has increased dramatically, while the number of entries has steadily declined. Clubs are under pressure to stay afloat, and adding more shows—especially with the convenience of clusters—seems like an easy fix. But more shows don’t automatically mean more exhibitors. Instead, they dilute an already shrinking exhibitor pool. The result? Lower entries, smaller points, and a diminished sense of occasion at even historically prominent events.

We are saturating our own market.

Click here to read the complete article
10 – June, 2025

By Pilar Kuhn

On May 13, the CDC published new federal dog importation regulations that go into effect August 1st. (Federal Register, Document Number 2024-09676).

In a shocking example of government overreach that will have negative effects on dog lovers and small businesses nationwide, the 311-page document is a poorly written and unactionable “one size fits all” solution for the importation of dogs from every country in the world with no exemptions for the military, government employees working abroad, or service dogs in training as puppies.

COVID drove demand for dogs beyond the supply available in the US, and some rescue groups and dog brokers took a “back door” approach and used forged documentation to import dogs to meet demand. Not only are the new regulations impossible to comply with, they put families and pet owners traveling with their dogs in the barracks with “bad dog transporters”, are expensive to implement for “good” companies and agencies trying to comply with the CDC’s demands, and many airlines may halt air travel for dogs altogether.

The regulations have a negative impact on the airline industry by putting passenger service employees in a “policing” role regarding international paperwork. The airlines don’t move swiftly with regulation changes, and they could decide not to ship any animals at all from foreign ports into the U.S. which would strand families and animals worldwide. Some foreign carriers have already initially denied animals their travel looking for paperwork that doesn’t exist or gone into effect yet. Per the new regulations, Customs and Border Patrol is to handle hand-carries and excess baggage entries with airway bills, but the airway bill system is not how official customs entries are handled for these types of transports. A federal regulation should not have a “work around” when there is a clear and currently active system for these types of imports.

The regulations as currently published do not take into consideration NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) that considers business and commerce between Canada, the U.S. and Mexico since, in these pending regulations, both Canada and Mexico are treated like every other country in the world.

The CDC did not truly consult “frontline stakeholders” that are responsible for moving dogs around the world every day.

The Congressional Review Act, while rarely used, exists to have these kinds of regulations pulled. Many think the CDC needs to go back to the drawing board and work on regulations that make more sense and are actionable.

“The CRA is a tool Congress can use to overturn certain federal agency actions. The CRA was enacted as part of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act in 1996. A CRA joint resolution of disapproval is introduced in the same way as any other bill. However, the joint resolution must be introduced within a specific time frame: during a 60-days-of-continuous-session period beginning on the day Congress receives the rule. For the CDC Regulation regarding the Importation of Dogs, that 60-day period began on May 13, 2024.”

Is there anything that can be done, or are these new regulations set in stone as of August 1st?

Please copy the paragraphs above and email to your local representative. All congressmen and woman have an email address that ends with “@mail.house.gov” and the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Here is as handy link to find your representative:

https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

For more information about the Congressional Review Act visit:

https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF10023

By Amy Fernandez

We’re all familiar with the “follow your dream” ethos. Just in case anyone needed a refresher, Warner Brothers has provided us with “Barbie”, this summer’s blockbuster.  For most of us that dream headed in a canine direction from a very early point in life. That’s why we’re here. Ours is a happy little canine universe where dog-related obsessions require no explanation.  And, as we know, those passions may cover some weirdly expansive territory. But at the end of the day we’re all here because we love dogs. 

Even though that label applies to millions of people, the thing that sets us apart is a keen, discerning eye.  At some point in our obsession, mere admiration evolves into expert appreciation.  At a glance, we KNOW what we are looking at when it comes to dog flesh. 

Developing that fine-tuned sense of judgment takes time, dedication and, of course, some hefty pocket change. And as we know–unfortunately–regardless of those factors some people never quite get it.  Their professed dedication never rises beyond driving with one wheel in the sand. 

That was my first thought when I checked out Toco, the Japanese media sensation who reportedly has spent $14,000 to satisfy his lifelong dream of transforming himself into a Collie. His journey from human to Collie has already garnered an enormous social media fan club–32,000 YouTube subscribers according to a recent NY Post story.  By way of explanation he said, “Do you remember your dreams from when you are little? You want to be a hero or a wizard…” Yeah well, I wanted to be a mermaid and I’m still waiting for that one. 

In contrast to my shallow hopes, Toco never let go. He maintains an anonymous identity, fearing possible negative reactions from work colleagues. (Let’s not go there). Anyway, his bespoke Collie costume was created by a pro costume company and online estimates for his getup have ranged from $12-35,000. My question is how did they manage to get so much of it so wrong? 

Frankly, it’s hard to find a person who doesn’t love Collies. Lassie fascination long ago transcended American TV.  Toco describes himself as obsessed with the breed from childhood, which suggests a more discerning eye. According to Zeppet, the costume makers, Toco’s perfectionist demands required endless revisions to his Collie suit. Their spokesman also noted that reproducing a realistic Collie coat was the biggest challenge.

Did anyone actually study real Collies anywhere along the way to this goal? Perfecting Collie coat is a major challenge from a genetic standpoint, but we are talking cosmetic artifice. So, there’s no logical explanation for this rendition. 

Regardless of that, Toco’s YouTube videos are insanely popular. Most recently, fans were awestruck watching Toco eat dog food. Ho hum. Every kid growing up in a dog environment has ventured into that experiment. What was more interesting was his much anticipated public outing as a Collie. Toco needs to brush up on his acting skills.  The reaction of real dogs said it all.  I have often watched dogs freak out when suddenly confronted with a realistic dog painting, sculpture, video and even their own doggy selves reflected in a mirror. After a few spooky seconds they put the story together. But sorry Toco, real dogs were not fooled for one second. 

They knew instantly that Mr. Collie was no such thing. A few dogs curiously approached. They were the brave ones because Mr. Collie ‘s performance lacked any semblance of convincing dog signaling.

 So, despite his years of effort and expense, it’s time for Toco to go back to the drawing board.  The whole thing really makes me wonder what most people actually see when they watch dogs. 

By Nikki Riggsbee

The Yorkshire Terrier is the most popular toy breed in the United States based on AKC registration statistics for 2021, ranking thirteenth among two hundred recognized breeds. It was one of the first toy breeds (with the Pug) to be recognized by AKC, in 1885.

The breed was developed in northern England and used as ratters. Several now extinct breeds are estimated to be the progenitors of the Yorkie: Clydesdale Terrier, Waterside Terrier, and Old English Terrier. They were originally shown in England as the Broken Haired Scotch Terrier or Toy Terrier. They got the name “Yorkshire Terrier” by 1874.

We found thirty-eight Yorkshire Terrier experts to invite to take a survey on their breed’s priorities; six could not be reached. Twenty-two said they would participate, four declined. Twelve completed surveys arrived by the deadline. The group averaged over forty-four years in the breed. Those who judge have been doing so for over eighteen years on average and have judged their national specialty and other Yorkie specialties.

Yorkshire Terrier Virtues

Click here to read the complete article
278 – September, 2022

By Lee Connor

So often, when writing these pedigree dog histories, I can trace a breed’s origins back to the landed gentry or as pampered royal companions; however, this tiny toy dog has never been featured in the paintings of the Great Masters. He has never been the plaything of kings or (like so many other breeds) as far as I can tell, never been owned by Queen Victoria. His mummified remains have never been recovered from Egyptian tombs and his distinctive image is noticeably absent from Hieroglyphics.

No, this beautiful mite shares with the Griffon Bruxellois the distinction of being, “one of the people” shaped by the hand of the working man and woman.

His birthplace was in Great Britain’s Yorkshire. This important northern county was the powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution and its Dickensian smoke-belching factories seemed to grow out of the rugged landscape.

These factories became centers of the textile industry and, with the introduction of machinery, many Scottish mill workers (especially from the Clydesdale area) decided to try and improve their luck by moving south to Yorkshire. One would assume they would have taken their much-loved dogs with them, and so this provides us with an important clue to the origins of the Yorkshire Terrier.

Click here to read the complete article
264 – September, 2022

Click here to read the complete article
256 – September, 2022