In light of the prestigious Westminster
Kennel Club Dog Show returning to New York City this month and
the recent release of the American
Kennel Club (AKC)'s ranking of most popular dog breeds, I thought
it would be interesting to review the winners of Westminster's Best
in Show and compare those with the AKC's listing of most popular dog
breeds.
No Labs
Although the Labrador Retriever has
been the most popular pup in America for more than a decade, a Lab
has NEVER won Westminster's Best in Show! As recent as 2010, the Lab
placed fourth in its group classification; that feat also happened in
2009 and 2003. The highest placement the breed has received was
second in its Sporting Dog Group category, and the last time that was
accomplished was in 1978. During the 1930s, Labs seemed more popular
at Westminster – the breed placed second in group in 1933, 1934,
and 1939. Labrador Retrievers were recognized as a breed by the AKC
in 1917.
No Goldens Either
The Golden Retriever, ranked third this
year on AKC's most popular dog breed list, has also not done well at
Westminster, placing only three times, including one best in group
(which took place in 2006). The breed placed second in 2009 and
second also in 2005.
Winners in Both Categories
America's second most popular dog
breed, the German Shepherd, has had one Best in Show placement at
Westminster; that occurred in 1987.
The AKC's fourth most popular dog breed last year was the Beagle, and in 2008, Uno the Beagle, became the first of his breed to win Westminster's Best in Show. So, Lab lovers, there is still hope – perhaps this will be the year for the Labrador Retriever!
The Terrier Group has received the most
number of Best in Shows at Westminster with 45 winners; terriers are
also popular pets, with the Yorkie listed as sixth most popular pooch
by the AKC this year the Boston terrier is number 23, and the West
Highland White Terrier listed at 36.
The Sporting Group has achieved the second most number of Best in Shows at Westminster with 19 wins. Within that group, the English Springer Spaniel has placed Best in Show six times, and Cocker Spaniels have placed Best in Show four times, each breed receiving more nods for top dog than any other breed in the Sporting Dog category. These dogs are also popular as pets: Cockers rank #27 and Springers #29 on the AKC breed popularity list for 2012.
New Breeds in 2013
Two breeds that will be in this 2013
competition that have not been recognized at Westminster in past
years are the Russell Terrier and the Treeing Walker Coonhound.
Might one of these “newbies” receive the ultimate prize? We shall
see.
Where will your favorite dog breed
place at the 2013 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show? Tune in your
television
Feb. 11 and 12 and find out!
Statistics and other article sources:
http://www.petsadviser.com/dog-shows/8-of-americas-favorite-dog-breeds-have-never-won-best-in-show-at-westminster/
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