Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a two-day benched dog show that takes place at Madison Square Garden in New York City every year. Dog owners from around the world come to show their dogs. Dogs are judged closely by eminent American Kennel Club (AKC) judges. It is considered by many to be America's most prestigious canine show.

Requirements for entry

In 1884, the AKC began requiring that all dog participants be registered with the AKC. This eliminates hundreds of less-common breeds recognized by other kennel clubs both in the United States and abroad.

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Because of the show's popularity and prestige, starting in 1992 the AKC limited entries by requiring that dogs must have already earned their breed Championship before appearing at Westminster. Still, in 2005, 2,581 dogs were entered.

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Although not required, most dogs are handled at Westminster by professional dog handlers who earn good fees for being able to bring out a dogs' strengths in the show ring. Although few dogs have won more than once at Westminster, several skilled handlers have managed the feat with different dogs of different breeds.

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