“As Good As It Gets”! This is the only way to even think about describing this history filled competition that is a true show of Champions! It is a dream and of breeders and exhibitors and a favorite for spectators at home and attending the show. Read on for a brief history and what to expect about this great event.

A Long History
The Westminster show first started in 1876. This is remarkable as it has taken place for 128 consecutive years this year (2004). The Westminster is Americas second longest running sporting event. Only the prestigious Bluegrass State horse race called the Kentucky Derby has a longer history. This just goes to show you that once you have participated, attended, or even watched a Westminster show, you are hooked for life!

What Goes On
Part of the appeal of the Westminster for many is that it is a show of Champions. Each entry showing must be classified as a Champion (15 points earned) and all of the top dogs throughout the country attend.

Each of these Champions is placed in its respective breed group and competes at the breed level first. A winner at each breed level is first selected (i.e. Boxer). This is the dog that the judge feels best represents the breed standard set forth by the American Kennel Club. This gives spectators a chance to learn more about the breed standards of their breed as well as cheer on their favorite.

Sponsors Message
It is with the help of our sponsors and various supporters that we are able to pay and upkeep DogGroups.com. Please make sure to take a moment to visit our Westminster sponsor DogGiftShop.com. What better way to participate in the show than by wearing a shirt of your favorite breed!!

http://www.doggiftshop.com/gift-shop/

After a Best of Breed winner is selected, then each breed from its’ group is brought back into the ring for a Best of Group competition (i.e. Working Group). This year four groups will be judged on Monday of the show (Working, Terrier, Toy and Non-Sporting with the remaining three groups (Sporting, Hound and Herding) to be judged on Tuesday.

Once a Group First winner has been selected for each of the seven groups, each of these winners are brought back for a third and final judging for Best In Show. Many describe this part of the show as pure electric! In just a short time, one of these Group First winners will be named Best in Show and be forever etched in history as a Westminster winner!

See You There
Now that we have discussed some of the background and history of this prestigious event, the only thing left to do is tune in or attend and cheer on that lucky Lab that gets named Best in Breed and possibly Best in Show!

Additional Resources
Find several Dog Breeders of different breeds.

Find other helpful Dog Training tips and tricks.

Find Black Lab, Chocolate Lab and Yellow Lab gifts for your home.