The Westminster Kennel Club DOG Show is the largest and most distinguished DOG show in the world. An annual DOG show, this is an extremely popular event that saw 2,500 DOGS entered into competition last year. Sponsored by the AKC (American Kennel Club), the original version of this event was created by a group of hunters who always met in New York once a year for their DOGS to compete, and the event as since grown.
The German Shepherd Dog is also known as the Alsatian, or Deutsche Schaferhund. Rin Tin Tin, probably the most famous American German Shepherd, was actually born in France in September of 1918 and then brought to America later.
This show presents different DOGS from every DOG breed for the coveted "Best in Show" title. If you're interested in DOGS, you'll learn a ton about various breeds just by watching the show as the announcers are very systematic about describing each DOG breed as the judges view them one by one.
The basenji could really be considered more like a cat than a dog. Not only is it the only breed of dog that does not bark, but is also a meticulous cleaner. Unlike other dogs, the basenji actually licks itself clean, just like a cat!
All DOG breeds are broken down into seven different groups. All pure bred species fall into one of these groups: herding, hound, non-sporting, sporting, terrier, toy, and working. All these breeds compete for the "Best of Breeds" titles and then the winners from these breed titles compete to become a "Best of Groups" winner. If the DOG is impressive (and lucky) enough to make it this far, then they will compete for the "Best in Show" title, the most coveted of all, which places one DOG above all others.
Dachshunds may be small and cute, but they are also the smallest hunting breed. They were bred to be low to the ground, which allows them to enter and maneuver through tunnels and chase prey easily.
If you want to enter your basenji into the Westminster DOG Show, there are a few rules you need to know. First, there is a rule that for a DOG to be eligible for entry, it must be a champion from at least one AKC competition. You can check the web site to find a list of local competitions in your area. If your basenji proves a champion, then you need to send in a form with a $75 fee. Space is limited to 2,500 spaces, which have been filled several years running, so make sure to get your app in early to compete.
The oldest pure-bred British dog is said to be the Corgi. Their proof of existence has been traced back to dogs brought to Wales by the Celts from the Black Sea around 1200 BC.
