The Westminster Hotel, left, and benching at the show in 1887. Courtesy WKC.
A few sporting gentlemen frequented the bar at the Westminster Hotel in New York. They had an idea to start an event to showcase their dogs after helping organize a show in Pennsylvania, and the Westminster Kennel Club was formed in 1877. Choosing a name wasn’t easy, but they settled on Westminster because the hotel housed their favorite bar and meeting place.
The premiere, the First Annual New York Bench Show of Dogs, took place in Gilmore’s Garden (later changed and moved a few times, this is known as Madison Square Garden today). About 1,200 dogs were in attendance at this groundbreaking show that would much later be known as the “Super Bowl of the dog world.” The first three-day show was so successful they added a fourth day to the schedule.
The show has continued since then (although now it’s down to just two days), and it is the second longest running sporting event in U.S. history behind the Kentucky Derby (and only by one year at that). Westminster also precedes the American Kennel Club, formed in 1884, and the invention of the light bulb and automobile!
Best in Show
Best in Show is a term widely recognized today, and the first honor of this title was bestowed in 1907. The lucky pup was a smooth fox terrier who won three years in a row, and this record stands unbeaten today. Best in Show winners today are media sensations, going on “tour” visiting celebrities, opening the market at the Stock Exchange, riding in parade floats and traveling the country meeting fans. One dog even threw out the first pitch at a Major League baseball game.
The Best in Show accolades seem to miss some breeds, but there is always the possibility of history being made. Four breeds that have never won a BIS designation include America’s favorite dog, the Labrador retriever, as well as the golden retriever, dachshund and chihuahua.
Still Evolving
The show grew with technology and was first televised in 1948. The rise of the internet also paved the way for the first online broadcast of breed judging in 2005 and the videos were viewed in 140 countries around the world. 
As technology changes, so does the list of accepted breeds eligible for entry into the show. Regulations changed as the AKC went through revisions, and breeds continue to be added. This year’s additions include:
- American English coonhound
- Cesky terrier
- Entlebucher mountain dog
- Finnish lapphund
- Norweigen Lundehund
- Xoloitzcuintli
The show has also been patronized by political figures and leaders from around the world. Westminster caught the fancy of the czar of Russia, the emperor of Germany, professional sports athletes, philanthropists and famous journalists. The love of the beautiful dogs and the show’s magnificence are hard to resist for any animal lover and continue to draw large crowds every year.
Westminster also attracts its share of protests, particularly in recent years by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). This group, which sometimes rallies outside the arena, maintains that dog shows like this advocate breeding over adoption of shelter animals. Westminster basically counters that PETA’s heart is in the right place but that the real focus should be on stopping puppy mills and backyard breeders. Every year, officials at the show make an announcement that no dog in attendance was purchased from a pet shop.
Tomorrow, we’ll take a more in-depth look at the new breeds in the show, and over the next few days we’ll have many other updates coming straight from our staff in New York City attending the 2012 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
More Westminster Coverage
Pets Adviser has been covering the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show since 2011. Check out these great posts from the past:
- Which Dog Won the Best in Show in 2011?
- Westminster Dog Show 2011 Photo Gallery
- 10 Mixed-Breeds We Should Have Seen at Westminster
- 11 Oldest Dogs Ever to Win Best in Show
- The Sun Will Come Out… for Chewee
- Westminster’s “Everydog” Storyline Hits New Low in 2011
- Meet the 6 New Breeds Added in 2011
- “Buzz Campaign” Not Just for Oscar Wannabes — Dog Show Contenders Do This Too
- Name Name That That Chow Chow
- Poodle Flying to 2011 Dog Show in Private Jet
