Westminster Apparel

So today is another big day at Westminster.  There is the second ever Masters Obedience Championship and the conformation part of Westminster begins.  That's the beauty pageant for those not into dog shows.  They added the obedience part last year to show that we dogs aren't just pretty faces.  We're smart too.  Today the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups will be judged in conformation.  Tomorrow it will be the Sporting, Working and Terrier groups.

My human went to see Westminster many, many years ago, when it was just conformation - and everything took place at Madison Square Garden.  She recalls feeling like a sardine jammed into a can as she walked in the grooming area.  Honestly, it was the first (and only time) in her life that she felt nervous by the crunch of the crowd.  Thankfully they added the Piers venues a few years ago, so it's not quite as tight a feeling now.  The very last time my human went to Westminster, you may recall that she won.  No.  Not the show.  But special tickets - that allowed her to go to a couple of parties. 

http://viktorsviews.blogspot.ca/2015/02/paws-for-news.html

And of course, now you can see what's happening right from the comfort of your own home - you can watch on the internet.  There was some concern that for some reason, Canadians would not be able to see the Group judging on TV, but it seems Westminster heard the anguished cries of the neighbors to the North and added another channel - so it should be more readily available in Canada.

I also see that on the Westminster website that you can actually click on the dogs that were tops in the breed for 2016.  You can even see who the dog's breeder was, who the dog owns, who the dog's parents are and even the dog's date of birth.  Hmmmmm.  One thing missing.....wouldn't it be cool to see the dog's health clearances too?  Now THAT'S a loaded question...

And from Nova Scotia, the dog who was THE top dog all around in Canada last year will be  competing.  His name is Jack and he is a Kerry Blue Terrier.

http://thechronicleherald.ca/artslife/1440429-video-with-55-canadian-best-in-show-awards-foley-and-her-talented-pup-head-for-pres

I saw Jack walk by me at a show once.  He didn't pay any attention to me.   He was probably on his way to a photo shoot. 

My human likes to watch the handlers and how they show the dogs.  After taking Elroy to class the past few weeks, she really appreciates the job a good handler can do.  They even have to think about what they wear.  Seriously.  If it's a woman, she can't wear a skirt too short because she would have problems when she bends over the dog.  That would be a different kind of "show".  She also can't wear a skirt too long - so it doesn't fly in the dog's face.  Pockets are pretty important - to hold the EXTRA special treats.  Sensible shoes are a given - so she doesn't trip and fall.  And speaking of handler attire,  my human took THE most amazing pictures the last time she was at Westminster.  Check it out.  What are the chances that two handlers would be wearing the EXACT same outfit - AND end up standing next to each other?!  There should have been a prize for this!!!!!  Must have been QUITE the sale at the Dog Show Handlers Apparel Store.

Well we are sitting here amidst more snow.  Good thing my human is off today - we can go out and build snowdogs.  And of course, watch Westminster!  Especially the apparel.....Have a good one!