PETS
February 18, 2012 This week was a time for the dogs to strut their stuff at the 136th annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show – one of the most prestigious events in the canine world. (The only sporting event with a longer track record is the Kentucky Derby.)
More than two thousand dogs, representing 185 different breeds, competed to be judged the best.
Here's how it works. Each dog competes against others of the same breed. Then the winner of each breed competes in one of seven groups. The winner in each group competes for the coveted title of Best in Show.
I admit I had my favorites among the finalists. I loved watching the Irish Setter from the Sporting Group move around the ring, red hair flowing – she could have been a shampoo commercial.
And the Dalmatian from the Non-Sporting Group was another that won my vote. I'm partial to Dalmatians, partly because of their spots and also because a couple of friends have them.
Third on my list was the Doberman Pinscher, from the Working Dog Group. What a beautiful animal she is.
The final seven also included a Wire-haired Dachshund from the Hound Group, a Pekingese from the Toy Group; a German Shepherd from the Herding Group; and a Kerry Blue Terrier from the Terrier Group.
And the winner is…the Pekingese, a four-year-old dog weighing in at around 11 pounds (more hair than dog, really), with short little legs that were all but invisible underneath his coat and a stubby black face with bright eyes and a pink tongue.
While he certainly was not as elegant and graceful as other finalists, dogs are not judged against each other but rather against the breed standard. The dog that comes closest to perfection wins.
This was the 115th Best In Show title for this Pekingese, but winning at Westminster is the crowning achievement.
What I enjoy about Westminster is seeing the beauty of the dog in so many different sizes, shapes and colors.
And the best part is that inside they're still dogs. For all the grooming and the glamour, each one is still somebody's best friend, when you're speaking of pets.
© Copyright 2012, APR - ALABAMA PUBLIC RADIO
