Dog Show Confidential - Connie Newcomb's story of life and love in the world of dogs

Christopher Guest’s classic spoof Best in Show was just the tip of the iceberg. But Connie Newcomb proves that real life eclipses reel life every time in Dog Show Confidential: Sneaking in the Back Door of Westminster.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to arrive at Manhattan’s Westminster Dog Show, the mother of all dog shows, this is your guide! See how competitive the process is, how it starts with finding a puppy with potential, and how the road to becoming a champion often begins with a series of false starts. Read an up close and personal look at the sacrifices owners make with little reward except bragging rights; contrary to popular opinion, there are few cash prizes on the dog show circuit.

So why do people give up any semblance of a normal life to do it? You'll find out in this wry insider’s perspective of an eccentric way of life most people never see. [Read more]

Dog Show Confidential: Sneaking in the Back Door of Westminster - by Connie Newcomb
Grand Champion El Grande Rock of Love Bobchi
Rocky on the judging stand at Westminister
Rocky takes his walk at Westminister 2012
Rocky wins at Black Mountain Kennel Club
Bill wins Best Puppy at Ramapo
Gypsy at Bryn Mawr Kennel Club
Yoshi at Brooks Kennel Club
Rocky at Westminster Kennel Club dog show
Rocky at Chambersburg Kennel Club
Kateat at Harrisburg Kennel Club
Rocky in New York for the Westminster show
Rocky in newspaper for Westminister 2011
Bill surveys the scene
Rocky gets in the Christmas spirit
Katie gets ready for a show
Katie mugs for the camera
Leeloo, Carl, Gypsy, & Jack
The puppies greet the morning sun
Rocky wins breed at Penn Treaty Kennel Club

Help Your Pet Adjust to a New Home: Moving Tips for Dog and Cat Parents

To help ease your furry friend’s anxiety when moving to a new home, here are some tips to help your pet stay relaxed and adjust seamlessly.

Labrador Retriever is the AKC’s most popular dog breed once again

America’s most popular dog once again is the Labrador Retriever according to the American Kennel Club. The rankings reflect popularity of different breeds among the 589,868 purebred dogs, mostly puppies, that joined the nation’s oldest dog registry last year. “The list includes the 193 breeds that the AKC recognizes — no Labradoodles, puggles, Yorkipoos or {Read More »}

2020 Westminster Dog Show Wrap-Up

At the 144th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Siba, a black standard poodle from the Non-Sporting Group, won Best in Show for 2020. The three year old’s official name is GCHP CH Stone Run Afternoon Tea.

Westminster Dog Show Facts and Trivia

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was first held in 1877 but the prize of Best in Show was only awarded beginning in 1907. Here are some fun facts to get you prepped for this year’s big event.

2020 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Preview

Westminster 2020 will be a little different this year with breed judging spread out over three days instead of two. Here are my top dogs to watch plus an overview of this year’s competition.

Favorite Dog Characters in Christmas Movies and TV

At Christmastime, there are plenty of furry friends that that tug at my heartstrings. Here are just a few of my favorite characters from XMAS-themed movies and TV shows.

Dog Stories With Happy Endings

My second book, DOG STORIES WITH HAPPY ENDINGS, is now available in paperback & in digital Kindle format through Amazon.com. It is a collection of stories from friends and family guaranteed to make you smile - a vivid walk down memory lane for anyone who has ever loved a pet. From German shepherd, RinTinTin, dubbed the "smartest dog ever," to a lucky mutt named Penny Lane who was rescued twice, this book spotlights pets whose adventures - and misadventures - became part of family history. A portion of the proceeds from the sale to Peaceable Kingdom Animal Shelter. Please visit www.dogstorieswithhappyendings.com.