This article delves into the intricacies of judging at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, explaining the meticulous process judges use to select the best-in-show champion from a field of already-accomplished canine contenders.
Every dog competing in this week's Westminster Kennel Club dog show is a champion, having already earned top honors in their breed. From the tiny Chihuahua to the towering Great Dane, each canine contender represents the pinnacle of excellence within their respective group. But for the judges tasked with crowning the best in show, the decision is far from simple.
\Choosing the ultimate champion at America's most prestigious dog show requires a deep understanding of breed standards and an eye for subtle nuances. Judges meticulously examine each dog, from its head to its tail, scrutinizing its conformation, movement, and temperament. They assess whether the dog embodies the ideal traits outlined in the breed's standard, which reflects its historical function and lineage. Consider, for example, the Pekingese. Fiona, a show champion and the pet of Donald Sturz, the kennel club's president, demonstrates how judges work. With Fiona, Sturz checks the shape of her head, legs, chest, and ribs, ensuring they adhere to the breed's defining characteristics. He observes her gait, a distinctive slow, rolling movement likened to a heavy rugby player and a swimming goldfish. Judges also evaluate a dog's temperament, looking for confidence and a pleasant disposition. \The Westminster Kennel Club show is a culmination of months, even years, of dedicated training and preparation by both dog and handler. The competition begins with judges selecting the best dog from each breed. These top contenders then compete against each other within their respective groups, such as hounds, working dogs, or toy dogs. The seven group winners ultimately face off in the highly anticipated best-in-show competition. The judge tasked with selecting the best-in-show recipient is chosen carefully and is expected to have an encyclopedic knowledge of every breed. However, the final decision is subjective, based on the judge's assessment of which dog, on that particular night, embodies the qualities that elevate it above the rest. As Sturz puts it, 'A great dog having a great night.' There's just something that that dog brings that night that just put them a notch above the other great dogs in the ranks
Westminster Dog Show Dog Judging Breed Standards Best-In-Show Canine Excellence
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