The annual canine competition is set to last for two days and opened the other day with 170 breeds and groups in competition. The first step of the competition regards all the 2,486 entrants which will compete against other dogs of the same breed. Then the winners will compete in their group. The group finalists will cap the event with the best in show competition.

 

The first Group that entered the big ring at 8p.m. was the Hounds judged by the most successful owner-handler in American Kennel Club dog show history, Patricia Craige Trotter. She is the 10 times winner of the Westminster Hound Group record with her Vin-Melca Norwegian Elkhounds. Now she is a respected author, lecturer, and judge, who graciously congratulated each exhibitor on their Best of Breed win.

 

Unfortunately, for some contestants things did not go so smoothly. For instance, Quixote, a Long Island chow chow, who had his hopes high in conquering the 133rd trophy of Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show failed in his quest. He lost the best of breed title in favor of a dog named Eastern-Magic Channel Beauty. According to his owners, Quixote might have been a victim of his own youth, for the 19 months old dog looked too much like a puppy in spite of the fact that he did great in the presentation. If any comfort for poor Quixote, there were other dogs of his breed who walked away empty-pawed from the contest.

 

Ned, a 2-year-old Norwich terrier, was handled by the 20 years experienced Vickki Oelerich of Massapequa and came up short in his category too in spite of the fact that he looked beautiful.

 

Handler Kimberly Pastella-Calvacca of Westbury did not have much luck either with the three dogs she handled. Lily, a 1 1/2-year-old French bulldog, Major, a 2-year-old miniature pinscher, and Rio, a 4-year-old pointer, were also disqualified to their breeds.

 

As sad as the story might have been so far, there is a winner after all. Coda, a 3-year-old harrier handled by Pastella-Calvacca who won the best in breed. Perhaps this dog’s luck came from the fact that there was only one other dog to compete against.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Showis considered to be America's most prestigious dog show as well as it is the most prestigious and the largest in the world. The competition primarily focuses on the General Specials of each breed, and winners compete for the title Best In Group. The final step is finding a winner for the Best In Show category, chosen from among the winners of Best In Group.