The Paws and Prestige: Unleashing the Westminster Dog Show's Rich History and Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with Your Furry Friend

Gibson's Natural Pet
Published On: 05-02-2023, 12:00 AM

The Westminster Dog Show is one of the most prestigious dog shows in the world. Held annually in New York City since 1877, it is a celebration of purebred dogs and their breed standards. In this blog post, we'll explore the history of the Westminster Dog Show, its significance in the world of purebred dogs, and some interesting facts about this iconic event.

 

History of the Westminster Dog Show: The Westminster Dog Show was first held in 1877, making it one of the oldest continuously held sporting events in the United States. The show was originally held at Gilmore's Garden, which later became Madison Square Garden. The first show featured just 35 breeds and 633 dogs, but it quickly grew in popularity.

Significance of the Westminster Dog Show: The Westminster Dog Show is significant in the world of purebred dogs for several reasons. It is the second-oldest continuously held sporting event in the United States, after the Kentucky Derby. The show is also known for its strict entry requirements, with only top ranked purebred dogs recognized by the American Kennel Club eligible to compete.

The show is also significant for its Best in Show award, which is awarded to the top dog among the seven group winners. Winning Best in Show at Westminster is considered the highest honor in the dog show world, and can lead to lucrative breeding opportunities and increased visibility for the winning dog and its breed.

Interesting facts about the Westminster Dog Show:

        • The show was originally called the "First Annual New York Bench Show of Dogs."

        • The first Best in Show winner was a Smooth Fox Terrier named "Ch. Warren Remedy."

        • In 2021, the show was held outdoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first time it was held outside since 1920. It moved to Tarrytown, NJ, also the first time it was held outside of New York. 

        • The Westminster Kennel Club, which hosts the show, is one of the oldest dog clubs in the United States, founded in 1877

        • In the early years of the show, the Best in Show prize was a silver cup valued at $100. Today, the prize is a sterling silver trophy topped with a gold-plated statue of a dog.

        • The first Best in Show winner was a Smooth Fox Terrier named "Ch. Warren Remedy" in 1907. Since then, terriers have won the award a total of 47 times, making them the most successful breed at Westminster.

        • Westminster has featured many famous winners over the years, including President Lyndon B. Johnson's Beagle, "Him" in 1964, and the Bichon Frise "Flynn" in 2018.

        • The show is broadcast on television in over 200 countries and is watched by millions of people worldwide.

This year, Westminster will be held on May 6-9th, and will include conformation, obedience, agility, and for the first time dock diving. It will be at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.

The Westminster Dog Show is a celebration of purebred dogs and their breed standards, as well as a significant event in the world of dog shows. Its Best in Show award is considered the highest honor in the dog show world, and winning dogs can go on to great success in breeding and visibility. With its rich history and prestige, the Westminster Dog Show is a must-see event for any dog lover.

 

There is another significant event the first week of May. Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican Army's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. It has since become a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, with colorful parades, traditional music, and delicious food. In this blog post, we'll explore some ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with your furry friend.

  1. Dress up your dog: Cinco de Mayo is a colorful holiday, so why not dress up your dog in a festive outfit? You can find fun dog accessories online or at your local pet store. Just make sure the outfit is comfortable and doesn't restrict your dog's movement or breathing. Use tasty treats to reward your dog for putting up with the costume and to get them to look at the camera for their photoshoot. 
  2. Make homemade dog treats: Cinco de Mayo is all about the food, so why not make some homemade dog treats for your furry friend? You can find recipes online for healthy and delicious treats that incorporate Mexican-inspired ingredients, such as sweet potato and black beans. Just be sure to avoid any foods that may be harmful to dogs, such as onions, garlic, and chocolate.
  3. Take your dog to a Cinco de Mayo event: Many cities and towns host Cinco de Mayo events, such as parades and festivals. Check your local events calendar to see if there are any pet-friendly events in your area. Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash and bring plenty of water and poop bags.
  4. Teach your dog some Spanish: Cinco de Mayo is a great opportunity to teach your dog some new commands in Spanish. For example, "siéntate" means "sit," "ven aquí" means "come here," and "quieto" means "stay." It's a fun way to incorporate a new language into your dog's training.
  5. Have a fiesta at home: If you prefer to celebrate at home, why not have a Cinco de Mayo-themed party for your dog and their furry friends? You can decorate with colorful streamers and balloons, serve Mexican-inspired snacks and drinks (for humans only, of course), and play some festive music. Just be sure to keep any food and drinks that may be harmful to dogs out of reach.

Cinco de Mayo is a fun and festive holiday that can be enjoyed with your furry friend. Whether you dress them up, make homemade treats, or attend a pet-friendly event, there are many ways to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage with your dog by your side. Just be sure to keep your dog's safety and well-being in mind, and have a happy and healthy Cinco de Mayo!