Westminster Establishes 21st Century Tradition

By Amy Fernandez

Apparently Westminster is not all about tradition. At least, that’s the major theme for 2016 according to Thursday morning’s press conference. Of course, it is the club’s 140th time around the block. Club Director of Communications Gail Miller Bisher provided a streamlined recap of the show’s illustrious heritage complete with backdrop tracking every big thing that’s kept Westminster on the cutting edge of this sport since 1877. A few of those historical highlights included the show’s first Best in Show judging (1924), the first televised coverage (1948), and the Empire State Building’s first gold and purple light display (2004).

2016 marks the third run through for the club’s innovative/complicated split venue format. Once again, judging for Group and Best will take place at the Garden Monday and Tuesday evening. But most of the show will be happening over at Piers 92/94 on West 55th Street.

The party kicks off with Meet and Compete Saturday morning. That includes Westminster’s third annual Masters Agility Championship and AKC’s ever-popular Meet the Breeds. Westminster is also unrolling it first Masters Obedience Championship this year, an invitational event for 34 of the top OTCH winners. It happen at Pier 94 on Monday along with the opening of regular breed judging, which will feature seven new breeds bringing the total up to 199 breeds and varieties. This year’s headliners are predictably Labs (51 entries) and Goldens (50 entries). Frenchies are hot on their heels with an impressive turnout of 48.

Westminster has also pumped up its social media presence this year. You can follow  every thrilling development on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.

For $1.99 diehard fans can download the official Westminster app for a digital judging program and live streaming video of all 2752 competitors including all of the current top 20 contenders, and three of last year’s group winners that will be back to defend their titles.

For added fun, Pro Plan also launches its Westminster Bracket Challenge this year where fans can enter their fantasy Group and Best lineup at DogShowBracket.com. A cool $1 million will be split between any lucky Westminster fans that nail their predictions.

For more information visit www.westminsterkennelclub.org.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Feb 12 2016. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.