Seven Dogs Vie for Top Prize at Westminster Show

After two intense days at the Westminster Kennel Club show, a select few dogs have emerged as finalists. Among the 2,500 competitors from over 200 breeds, seven dogs are now vying for the prestigious Best in Show title. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the Westminster event, making the competition even more significant.

Finalists Competing for Best in Show

Currently, four finalists have been announced:

• Zaida, an Afghan Hound
• JJ, a Lhasa Apso
• Cookie, a Maltese
• Graham, an Old English Sheepdog

Three additional finalists will be determined on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, culminating in the Best in Show award.

Memorable Moments at the Show

Throughout the competition, several dogs have captured the audience’s heart, regardless of their final rankings. A Xoloitzcuintli named Calaco impressed onlookers with its confident demeanor. Meanwhile, a Pekingese called Lumpy inspired chants from the crowd as it paraded before judges.

New Breed at Westminster

One of the standout entrants this year is Millie, a Danish-Swedish Farmdog. Newly eligible for the Westminster show, Millie navigated through a field of approximately 10 competitors to reach the semifinals. Brita Lemmon, who introduced the breed to the U.S., expressed her excitement about their journey.

A Day in the Life of Competitors

Many competitors share their unique stories. Joseph Carrero, from Indian Springs, Nevada, is one of them. He, along with his Neapolitan Mastiff named Dezi, faced the challenges of the show ring. Carrero, a full-time heavy equipment operator, began showing Dezi after he was urged by the dog’s breeder. “It’s really hard for us to do this, but we enjoy it,” he shared.

Personal Connections to Dogs

Natalee Ridenhour’s story is equally compelling. After losing her husband, she found solace in her Boerboel, Invictus. Though Invictus didn’t advance beyond the first round at Westminster, Ridenhour reflected on the joy her dog brought to spectators. “The big win is: You’re about the 50th person who’s gotten down in his face and loved on him,” she noted.

As the competition progresses, all eyes are on the remarkable dogs and their handlers. This year’s Westminster show not only celebrates canine excellence but also the heartfelt connections formed between dogs and their owners.