The 144th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show concluded last week with Siba a black standard poodle winning Best in Show. Siba was absolutely stunning as she glided around the ring to cheering crowds. One of the changes with the 2020 edition of the contest is that the finals were held on a Tuesday. The other Best in Show contenders were Daniel, a golden retriever, the clear crowd favorite, Conrad, the Shetland sheep dog, Vinny the wire fox terrier, … [Read more...]
Westminster Dog Show Facts and Trivia
January 31, 2020 by
The 144th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is about a week away. In my last post, I went over some of the basics for this year's contest. Previously, I have covered other aspects of the competition (see past posts) including a look at past winners (2019 Westminster Kennel Club & Dog Show Primer). Today we will go over some facts and trivia to get you prepped for the big event. DOGS DOGS EVERYWHERE The number of canines roaming the … [Read more...]
2020 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Preview
January 14, 2020 by
Westminster 2020 will be a little different this year. The breed judging will be spread out over three days instead of two, beginning Sunday, February 9th from 8:30am to 4:30pm. Sunday judging will include the Hound and Herding group breeds. Monday judging will include Terrier, Toy and Non-sporting. On Tuesday the Sporting and Working group breeds will be judged, followed by Best in Show. All breed judging will be done at Pier 94 this year. (Pier 92 is … [Read more...]
2019 Westminster Wrap-up; King the wire fox terrier named Best in Show
February 19, 2019 by
What began with over 2,800 dogs competing in the 2019 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City, culminated last Tuesday with the crowning of the Best in Show. Fittingly, a wire fox terrier named "King" (GCHB CH Kingarthur Van Foliny Home) took home the crown. It was the 15th time in the show's history that the breed had been named top dog. It also continued the dominance for terriers overall as they have won Best in Show … [Read more...]
Slugger Ready to Take a Swing at Westminster
February 2, 2019 by
The 143rd annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show begins next weekend. Breed judging will be held on Monday and Tuesday, February 11th and 12th. There are 2879 dogs entered and 203 different breeds represented this year. In last week's post (2019 Westminster Dog Show - A Closer Look), I wrote about how the competition works and the list of breeds participating. And before that, I presented a Dog Show Primer with a look back at past winners and a … [Read more...]
2019 Westminster Dog Show – A Closer Look
January 25, 2019 by
The 143rd Annual Westminster Dog Show is just two weeks away. And if you have ever wondered what goes on during the event, which dogs participate or how they determine the winners, I am about to give you a closer look. In fact, if you have Netflix, there is a wonderful series entitled "7 Days Out" and their first episode focuses on the days leading up to last year's contest. It gives an up close look at several of the furry competitors as well as their … [Read more...]
2019 Westminster Kennel Club & Dog Show Primer
January 18, 2019 by
The 143rd edition of the most famous dog show in the world is coming up in three weeks. The Meet & Compete Featuring the Masters Agility Championship will be held February 9th. The Masters Obedience Championship as well as the main event will begin on Monday February 11th. Here's a quick overview of the schedule, past winners and some basic facts to get you primed. We will have more information in the coming days leading up to the show. I will talk … [Read more...]
Two New Breeds to Debut at 2019 Westminster Kennel Club and Dog Show
December 31, 2018 by
The 143rd annual edition of the Westminster Kennel Club and Dog Show is a little over a month away. The 2019 show will be held once again in New York City on Monday & Tuesday, February 11-12. This year, two new breeds will be making their official debut in the competition. Grand Basset Griffon Vendéen (also know as "GBGV” or “Grand"), an active and never high-strung scent hound out of France known as a poor man's hunting dog, will compete in the Hound … [Read more...]
Westminster 2018 Wrap-up; Flynn with the Win!
February 15, 2018 by
The 142nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show concluded Tuesday night with Best in Show. The lineup of Champions was really impressive, the best we have seen in years in my opinion! All the dogs really played to the crowd, bringing lots of cheers from the audience. The Sussex Spaniel, “Bean" was adorable posing for the judge and getting loud applause from the crowd. You can see his personality on display here. The winner was Flynn (GCHP CH Belle Creek's … [Read more...]
2018 Westminster Dog Show Primer
February 7, 2018 by
The 2018 Westiminster Kennel club and Dog show is fast approaching. My dog, GCHS Hallmark’s Sandbox Slugger at Markenhaus will be there. He is professionally handled by Jessy Sutton. “Slugger” is a smooth-coat Chihuahua. He's ranked #9 Breed and #5 All breed in the country right now. At age two, Slugger has won a best in show, reserve best in show and has multiple group placements. We are excited to see him compete, but the Chihuahua ring is super strong … [Read more...]
142nd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
January 26, 2018 by
The 142nd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is coming up in two weeks. The main event will be held Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 12-13, 2018 at Pier 92/94 in Madison Square Garden. FS1 will broadcast the Groups and Best in Show live on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 8 pm to 11 pm EST. Hounds, Toys, Non-Sporting, and Herding groups compete on Monday night. Working, Sporting, and Terrier groups as well as Best in Show will occur on Tuesday night. Other … [Read more...]
Crufts vs Westminster; What’s The Difference?
March 21, 2017 by
Recently, an American Cocker Spaniel named Afterglow Miami Ink won Best In Show at Crufts in England. The winner was a two year old with flowing black and white fur out of the Hound Group handled and owned by Jason Lynn. Approximately 160,000 people packed the Birmingham NEC arena over the four-day competition. I have never attended Crufts and many people might only be familiar with it from TV coverage. So I decided to give a brief overview of how this … [Read more...]
Westminster 2016 Dog Show Results And Wrap-up
February 19, 2016 by
This year's top dog at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was a German Shorthaired Pointer named C.J. He beat out more than 2700 other entries to win 'Best in Show' at the main event in Madison Square Garden. Owner and Handler Valerie Nunes-Atkinson led the triumphant GCH Vjk-Myst Garbonita's California Journey (aka C.J.) to the contest's top prize on Tuesday evening. Reserve Best In Show was awarded to "CH Belisarius Jp My Sassy Girl." a Borzoi. See … [Read more...]
140th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
February 11, 2016 by
Westminster 2016 begins this weekend in New York! On Saturday, February 13th, "Meet and Compete" will feature the WKC Masters Agility Championship and the AKC’s Meet the Breeds® at Piers 92/94 in Manhattan. Then on Monday, the main event starts at Madison Square Garden with final judging for BEST IN SHOW beginning Tuesday at 7:30 PM. “Meet the Breeds” is a showcase for the public to meet various dog breeds and learn about dog ownership. You can get up … [Read more...]
Beagle Miss P Scores Upset and Wins Best in Show at Westminister
February 19, 2015 by
For just the second time in history, a beagle has won top prize at the Westminister Kennel Club and Dog Show. Miss P, handled by William Alexander, is also the grandniece of Uno, who became the first beagle to win Best In Show back in 2008. Miss P pulled the upset Tuesday evening at the 139th edition of the famous event held in Madison Square Garden. David Merriam judged the final round, which also included Matisse, a Portuguese water dog that was the … [Read more...]
The 139th Westminster Dog Show Begins This Weekend
February 12, 2015 by
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is billed as the world's most famous and prestigious canine event since 1877. In a couple of days, thousands of people will converge on Madison Square Garden in New York City to root for their favorite breed. Millions more will watch the event on television. Some people may ask themselves what is really going on - what is the judge looking for and why is that dog better than the other one. A lot of people simply … [Read more...]
A Little History Lesson About The Westminster Dog Show
January 29, 2015 by
The Westminster Kennel Club's 139th Annual Dog Show will take place in February at New York's Madison Square Garden. Almost everyone is familiar with its name. But how did this famous show get started? Around the year 1876 a group of gentleman met in their favorite bar in New York City. They shared stories about hunting and shooting, certainly trying hard to out do one and other, I’m sure. But mostly their favorite topic was discussing the qualities and … [Read more...]
New Dog Breeds For 2015
January 8, 2015 by
As we roll into mid January, The Westminster Dog Show looms around the corner. It is always an exciting time of year for the dog show community. Every year the AKC adds a new breed or two. New breeds that would like to achieve recognition must have a strong backing by their fanciers. Clubs are formed to support the breed and perfect the conformation of their dogs. Three hundred purebred dogs of a new breed are needed to be eligible for AKC … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : Best in Show
February 11, 2014 by
It is always thrilling to watch Best in Show at Madison Square Garden. The crowd was even larger than the night before and it was a bit rowdy as well. I think there may have been alcohol involved. There was some yelling and even a wave going on. The dogs all looked beautiful. The handlers showed up with bait in hand and brushes in their pockets. The last three groups were Sporting, Working and Terrier. The Terriers have done quite well at Westminster in … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : The 138th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Begins
February 10, 2014 by
I did not sleep very well and woke up at 5AM. I was concerned about getting to the piers because last year the traffic was terrible and it took an hour to get there. It was also a little disorganized and no one seemed to know where to go. So I wanted to leave plenty of time, we rallied and off we went at 6:30AM. This year it was a breeze and we were inside and at our bench at 7AM. Traffic was light and we went in the correct entrance, it was easy and … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : The Chihuahua Club of Greater New York Show (Day 2)
February 9, 2014 by
One more show before Westminster. Rocky and I were both tired and I think Rocky would have preferred to stay in bed. Margaret and I went to the show together. Jim got to stay in bed. It was very crowded at the specialty show. I was hardly paying attention by this time. Rocky showed beautifully as always but we did not do anything. It was nice to see some friends but as soon as we finished up and we went to lunch at the hotel. The rest of the day was spent … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : The Chihuahua Club of Greater New York Show (Day 1)
February 8, 2014 by
On Saturday and Sunday, The Chihuahua Club of Greater New York held its shows. The entries were big, over forty dogs. Same people, same winners.One of the top winning Chihuahuas of all time was entered as a veteran; GCH Arywen’s Star Kissed Delight. I guess she’s still got it because she managed to win breed. Rocky did make the first cut on Saturday which was exciting. There were some dogs there I have never seen before. The mezzanine floor was very … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : The Progressive Dog Show
February 7, 2014 by
The Penn Plaza Pavilion at New York’s Hotel Pennsylvania is where the specialty shows are held prior to Westminster. We arrived around 9:30AM for the show. The lobby was already loaded with dogs and bellmen pushing carts overflowing with suitcases and dog supplies. Most people choose to stay at this hotel because the rooms are large and cheap. The hotel is a dump but it is convenient if you are going to the shows there. The Progressive Dog Club is for … [Read more...]
Westminster Diaries, 2014 : Pre-Westminster Activities
February 6, 2014 by
Packing for the dog shows is a nightmare. I can really understand why professional handlers get paid so well. I usually only go to one show at a time. On Westminster weekend, I do four shows in a row. I packed five suits, four pairs of shoes, three pairs of boots, all the other clothes I needed for six nights in the city, dog food, crate, show leads, grooming aids, etc. It goes on and on, and I only have one tiny dog. Most of the high end handlers are … [Read more...]
Westminster is in Two Weeks, And What Am I Going to Wear?
January 25, 2014 by
When I first started handling show dogs about seven years ago I was taught to always dress well, wear a suit, and never clash with, or “out do” your dog. In other words; the dog is the star, not you! I have always tried to maintain that standard. Recently I saw a post on David Frei’s Facebook page about a media person looking to do a story about the best dressed handlers at Westminster. I thought about all of the show dog handlers I know, most of them … [Read more...]
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, 2014
January 21, 2014 by
It's that time of year again! The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is around the corner! Grand Champion El Grande Rock of Love Bobchi, AKA Rocky is entered and ready to go. This will mark Rocky's third appearance at this famous show, in 2010 Rocky won an Award of Merit. I am proud to say; 2013 was a good year for Rocky and me. He was ranked the #2 Smooth Coat Chihuahua in Pennsylvania and ranked #2 Owner-Handler as well. … [Read more...]
The Dog Show Blues
March 11, 2013 by
I have not been to a show since Westminster, and I'm not missing the scene so much. Perhaps I'm a little burned out. I have realized I just can't compete with the "big dogs" so to speak. I want to get Bill's grand championship, but after that, I don't know. I've come to realize the politics of judging are a little too much sometimes. I'm not part of the in crowd, the ones who cozy up to the right people and go to every show weekend after weekend. I … [Read more...]
‘The Morning Call’ reviews book on insider look at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
February 27, 2013 by
South Whitehall woman's book gives insider view of Westminster dog show On Monday morning, Connie Newcomb will be having the time of her life at one of the most prestigious sporting events in the nation — the 137th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. At 9:15 a.m., Connie and Bill, one of her champion Chihuahuas, will prance around a show ring at Pier 92, hoping to convince judges that Bill is the best little guy of his … [Read more...]
Westminster 2013
February 18, 2013 by
We are back home from NYC resting after Westminster. Bill and I made it to all the specialty shows and many parties. We had a blast in NYC. Rocky also joined in the festivities although he was not entered in any shows this year. We enjoyed excellent drinks and meals with family and friends. Our hotel (The Event) was fabulous and very dog friendly. We had a wonderful time. But we didn't win a thing! In fact I felt ignored. I guess I just can't compete … [Read more...]
Two Weeks until Westminster
January 28, 2013 by
Two weeks from today the Toy dogs will be shown at Westminster. There are 33 Chihuahuas entered. Unbelievable! There have never been so many. I am wondering who is going to show up. So many of my friends are not going because of all the changes. No one wants to travel 25 blocks from the hotels across the West end Highway to the piers. I don't either but I only have one little dog. I am really not happy about any of it. Since the show is no longer … [Read more...]
Westminster is almost here!
January 13, 2013 by
The 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a month away. Bill and I are looking forward to it. But before Westminster, We will be going to one show in Cape May, New Jersey, Sunday February 3rd. I'm hoping for a major win for Bill. He is so close to his grand championship. We shall see. I will share more news about Westminster soon when I get my final entry information. Things will be different this year! I'll keep you posted! … [Read more...]
Happy Holidays 2012
December 26, 2012 by
It is a rare quiet moment here at the Newcomb compound. All of the dogs are chewing on some new bones. The humans are still sleeping. Christmas was lovely. My kitchen is a disaster, but I don't care. It snowed a little bit on Christmas eve. Bill and Ted had never seen snow before since it did not snow at all last year. Bill loved it and happily chased Yoshi around the deck. Ted dipped one tiny paw in the frozen stuff and wanted no part of it. On to … [Read more...]
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2012
February 25, 2012 by
I showed Rocky this year at the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show as a Grand Champion! The competition was fierce, and DeeDee the # 1 smooth coat took breed, a repeat of last year. We hit all the specialty shows and the Doggie Fashion show which can only be described as colorful and a bit crazy! This year we stayed at the Eventi Hotel, which I highly recommend. Rocky was the center of attention in their gorgeous lobby. We had a blast! You … [Read more...]