Table Talk • February 5, 2026
Welcome to the Westminster edition of Table Talk! I know, it’s a day late. But there was so much happening during Westminster week, I wanted share my thoughts about this most awesome time in the big city!
One of the challenges to holding a major dog show in New York City in the middle of winter is the possibility of encountering weather-related travel chaos. One of the few airlines that will carry dogs in cargo had a weather embargo on flying animals the day many were scheduled to travel to the Big Apple. Unsurprisingly, many fanciers jumped in their vehicles and headed to their destination with some traveling 20 and 30 hours in poor road conditions. Their determination and passion brought us together at Westminster Monday and Tuesday.
This was the second year of WKC’s return to Midtown–with breed judging at the Javits Center, and group judging at Madison Square Garden. This year the team at Westminster added a historical dimension to the décor at the Javits celebrating Westminster’s 150th anniversary and the sport of purebred dogs. When spectators and exhibitors entered the show floor, they entered a historical timeline exhibit that was beautifully designed and displayed. Be sure to check out the Table Talk live segment with Westminster Kennel Club member Michael Faulkner on our Facebook page and caninechronicle.tv to see a quick overview of the exhibit. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/reel/2303769480099821
The Sensational Stage was a most incredible addition to this year’s show! In celebration of the 150thanniversary, Anna Gracie, along with the Westminster team, masterminded an incredible offering of education, history, and inspiration. If you have not seen the Table Talk Live segment with Anna, be sure to check it out at this link: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1273834104607044
One of my favorite additions this year was the Westminster Legends segment. During group judging Monday night, past Westminster winners were invited to attend, where they were introduced to the crowd. They were then able to take a left-handed spin around that iconic green carpet at Madison Square Garden. Please be sure to check out the Table Talk Live interviews with these past legends where you’ll get a look at how these retired superstars are doing. Seeing the coated dogs in their pet trims was so heart warming.
I was honored to attend the Juniors event at the AKC Museum of the Dog on Sunday afternoon. The event was conceived and implemented by Heidi Hartman-Booth and Christopher Bromson. Designed to highlight the past, present, and future of our sport, those who previously won Best Junior at Westminster were invited to attend, as were Junior Showmanship competitors at this year’s show. It was a huge success, and I believe efforts are being made to turn this into an annual event. Be sure to check out the Table Talk Live coverage of the event. You will see inspirational interviews with several past and current Junior Showmanship competitors and champions including the 1998 winner!
Believe it or not, this was my first time at the AKC Museum of the Dog, and I must say it is phenomenal! My favorite part was the Annie Clark exhibit which included restored footage of Annie grooming a poodle in the 1950s. What a treat! The exhibition also contains one of her grooming tables, a crate, and grooming tools–including an incredible collection of knives. It is incredible. If you have not been to the museum yet, put it on your to-do list.
This year, Westminster–with the assistance of Site Control–implemented a staged exit from the benching at the Javits Center, and it worked out great. Job well done!
Everyone I spoke to agrees that all the dogs in this year’s Best In Show lineup were spectacular. Many of them were shown by their breeders, and the others were shown by people who have dedicated their lives to that breed. May they be an inspiration to all who show dogs. Kudos to everyone that competed; and of course, congratulations to Andy Linton and ‘Penny’ for becoming the first Doberman Pinscher to win BIS here since Andy did it with Ch. Royal Tudor’s Wild As The Wind aka ‘Indy’ in 1989.
Our sincere condolences to Hiram Stewart who recently lost his brother. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
Fanciers celebrating birthdays this week include Gina Weiser, Frank DePaulo, Liz Hansen, Luiz Abreu, Pam Bruce, Larry Cornelius, Sandy Bingham-Porter, and Janet Harner. May your year ahead bring you joy.
Be safe in your travels, my friends. I will see you again soon. Until next time…
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