The Countdown to Westminster 2017 Is On!

This year will mark the 141st annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which has been held since 1877. Only the Kentucky Derby has been staged longer—but by just one year. The 2017 show takes place Monday, February 13th and Tuesday February 14th, with Best in Show going down on the Tuesday evening.

What To Watch For
Three newly recognized breeds will be competing for the first time during the 2017 show: the Sloughi, an athletic, noble, and reserved sighthound, the American Hairless Terrier, an energetic, curious, and intelligent terrier, and the Pumi, a smart, energetic, alert, and agile member of the herding group. Fun fact: the Pumi’s coat is a combination of wavy and curly hair that forms corkscrew curls all over the body.

Pro tips
Attending the event? For behind-the-scenes action, hit up two hot spots: the benching area and Hotel Penn, the preferred hotel for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Westminster's benching area is where the dogs are prepped for their turn in the ring. Amazingly, this area open to the public and our very favourite part of the whole show is wandering through taking photos, watching the elaborate grooming processes, and saying hi to and petting the dogs. Photo ops galore!
For a chance to meet the dogs when they’re off-duty, stay at the inviting, dog-friendly Hotel Penn. Situated directly across the street from Madison Square Garden, where Best in Breed and Best in Show take place, this historic hotel is host to many of the competing dogs. Expect to bump into many a pedigreed competitor in the immense lobby as well as out front of the hotel. All sizes of dogs are welcome, the pet fee is just $25 per stay, and pets may be left in the room (say if you’re going out for dinner) provided they are in their travelling kennels. As for location, it’s right in the heart of the dog-show action—you couldn’t ask for a more convenient home base!

Agility fans attending the show won’t want to miss the Masters Agility Championship—open to purebred dogs and mixes alike! This, along with the super-fun AKC Meet The Breeds takes place down at the Piers on Saturday, February 11th. See you there!