Tonight the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show begins in New York.
I love this show. I love it because I really enjoy dogs a lot, and it fascinates me to see the way these animals seem to revel in all the pomp and circumstance surrounding the judging. I hate to anthropomorphize these great dogs, but it really does appear that some of them thrive on the audience reactions they get as they prance, waddle, or lumber around the show ring.
I might as well get this out in the open: I’m a fan of the hound group. In particular, I like the 15″ Beagle. Although I’d be pretty happy to see any hound win. Or any dog from the working or sporting groups. I appreciate the way the dogs in these groups have so much personality and are so intent on displaying that personality to anyone who glances their way. What’s more, their obvious athleticism and rugged good looks make it that much easier to cheer them on. I was really thrilled in 2004 when Josh, a gorgeous Newfoundland, took top honors. I’ve seen dogs that were more excited about winning Best In Show, but somehow Josh’s relatively downtempo reaction befit his cool demeanor.
Last year’s winner was a beauty, too. It was obvious upon first viewing Carlee that she was there to win the show, and she just blew her competition off the floor.
I hope these breeds can keep the streak alive this year. There’s a rumor that Coco might try to come out of retirement and make a go at BIS this year, as the BIS judge is a big fan of the bitch. I can envision worse BIS winners….
