Rick's Roadshow: New York, Westminster Kennel Club Judging

Welcome to another installment of Rick's Roadshow: New York, from the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This is one aspect of my job that I truly enjoy. Since I started attending Westminster five years ago, I've learned a great deal about the sport of raising and showing dogs. I've been fortunate to meet and mingle with the top judges, professional handlers and some of the best breeders (who follow responsible practices in this sport). Of course my role in attending is to represent my company and develop business relationships; but I also enjoy being in the company of dogs too! keep in mind that now I have Sheldon I have become a poodle person. Mind you, I'll never get him groomed like the show dog poodles..but they sure are fun to watch. I thought I'd share a few "behind the scenes" photos that most people never see of Westminster:

above: the inner circle of benching, grooming and staging ring areas. The sizes of the benches vary by breed size.

above: during the day, the judging by breed is held to identify the Best in Breed, which will later represent that breed in one of the groups during the televised broadcast.

above: other events, such as the Junior Showmanship competition takes place, for youngsters learning the sport of handling and showing dogs. This competition is more about the form and handling the kids follow in the ring.

Last Minute Preparation before the Breed Competition

above: This black standard poodle has a few finishing touches to his coat before being called into the ring...

above: ...and this white standard poodle gets a quick comb-out before he heads out into the ring.

above: There were a total of 20 standard poodles in the poodle breed competition.

above: this poodle bitch (female canine term) stands at the ready during the judging...

above: the judges carefully inspect eyes, teeth, coat and temperament before eventually selecting the winner of each breed.

The Evening Prime Time Main Event

above: At 8pm Eastern time, the televised Westminster Show began with Hounds, followed by Terriers, Non-Sporting, and then Herding. On Tuesday night will be Sporting, Toy, Working, followed by the Best In Show.

above: behind the scenes in the main ring. Network television cameras and media prepared for the show.

above: I had awesome seats, among distinguished show judges, just behind the the main judging table with the silver cups and awards.

above: It's always fun to see the wide range of dog sizes/types within a particular group.

above: This Basenji makes the rounds with the Herding group judging.

above: within the Non-Sporting group, the Standard Poodle, followed by the Boston Terrier

above: The Standard Poodle bitch wins the Non-Sporting Group ribbon. Her full AKC name is "Champion Randenn Tristar Affirmation", but is known simply as "Yes" but I heard her owners call her "Yessie"

above: "Yes" is clearly excited, and shows her pleasure having been selected as winner of the group. Here is a quick snippet of Yes winning:

above: click the arrow in the lower left corner to watch the snippet. Sheldon and I are hoping she wins the Best In Show on Tuesday! Gosh I just love the excitement of this dog show. Thanks for stopping by today.

-Rick Rockhill