Over 3,000 dogs are currently competing in the annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show, one of the most distinguished competitions of its kind. The event features popular breeds such as French bulldogs, dachshunds, and Spaniels, amongst others. Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and temperaments are groomed and pampered for the competition, as judges assess everything from gait and confidence to a competitor’s self-possessed gaze. While certain characteristics, such as physical traits, can be quantifiable, judges also consider more intangible traits, such as a dog’s unique attitude and aura of self-assuredness. According to Ann Ingram, a dog show judge from Cork, Ireland, a dog’s attitude can make all the difference in the ring.
This year’s Westminster Kennel Club dog show is being held at the 40-acre grounds of the U.S. Open tennis tournament. Ann Ingram, a dog show judge from Cork, Ireland, had the honor of choosing the champions of several categories, including the winning schipperke, bulldog, French bulldogs, and miniature poodle. The victors of the various categories will go on to compete at the semifinals, with the dog crowned as the “Best in Show” set to be announced on Tuesday night. The event is highly anticipated by dog enthusiasts and is expected to attract a large television audience as well.
Every spring, the exclusive realm of purebred breeding – a cherished yet eccentric subculture in America – is broadcasted to global audiences for three days, totaling over 16 hours. If you’re not well-versed in the topic, things can become quite obscure.
As Ingram and others attest, the dog show is a domain where minutiae holds great significance – intricacies that the majority of the world may be unaware of. However, as the show gains more popularity with each passing year, this is beginning to shift.
Ingram emphasized that for breeds like Frenchies and bulldogs, which are prone to breathing issues, it is important to observe them being able to move without any signs of distress. While a spirited trot or an excited wag of the tail may indicate an impressive performance for one breed, it may not be the same for another. Ingram cited an example of poodles, stating that any poodle that races around the ring like a workhorse is not a true representation of the breed. Different dog breeds have different purposes, with some bred to hunt lions (like Rhodesian ridgebacks) and others bred to be affectionate companions (like Pekingese).
The world of dog shows is characterized by both obvious and subtle details that are used to determine a dog’s fitness for competition, ranging from its physical characteristics to its demeanor and breeding. According to judges like Ann Ingram, specific characteristics can vary widely depending on the breed, with some bred for specific physical attributes and others for personality traits. For instance, Frenchies and bulldogs, which tend to have breathing problems, are judged based on their ability to move without any signs of distress. Similarly, those traditional hunting breeds that are capable of hunting lions, like Rhodesian ridgebacks, are judged based on different criteria than those breeds that were bred to be affectionate companions, like Pekingese. Judges like Ingram must take into account such nuanced details when scrutinizing the dogs they are assessing in order to make fair and accurate judgments.
Despite the meticulous grooming and attention to detail, judges often go with their gut when it comes to selecting a Best in Show winner. Beth Sweigart, who judged this year’s competition, noted that some breeds may be more glamorous or catch the eye, but some, like Labrador retrievers, are bred for utilitarian purposes and aren’t fancy movers. While some breeds may be more successful in past competitions than others, ultimately it’s up to the judge to make the final decision based on their own subjective opinion and the particular qualities they value in a winner.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a highly prestigious event in which more than 3,000 dogs compete for top honors. Judges like Ann Ingram must rely not only on quantifiable characteristics but also on intangible qualities such as a dog’s attitude or self-possession. Competitors represent a wide range of breeds, each with its own set of specific criteria. Some dogs, like Frenchies and bulldogs, must be able to move easily without any signs of distress due to their susceptibility to breathing problems. Others, like Pekingese, are bred for affection, while Rhodesian ridgebacks were bred to hunt lions.
Despite the intense grooming and attention to detail, judges ultimately make subjective decisions based on their own preferences and what they believe best represents each breed’s unique qualities. Experienced judges like Beth Sweigart, who has over 50 years of experience in the dog world, are trusted to make fair and unbiased decisions. Handlers and owners are passionate about their dogs and go to great lengths to prepare them for the competition.