While so many Canadians shudder at the thought of February weather, I along with countless other members of the Canadian dog fancy count down the days until we can go down to Manhattan (a trip to a spot sometimes colder than where we left) to take in Westminster Week.
I watched the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on the television with my father each and every year of my childhood and swore that one day I would go to the greatest dog show in North America. It’s no secret that many things you look forward to in your youth don’t shine as bright in real life, but Westminster is a big exception. It may just be even more incredible to see in real life than it is to watch on television or stream online! From the Masters Agility to Meet the Breeds, the incredible benched conformation show to the dozens of vendors, and, of course, the thousands of stunning purebred dogs, Westminster delivers on all fronts. Additionally, having a big dog show in downtown Manhattan, just adds to the experience, as it allows “city folk” into the world of competitive dog sports.
This year, unfortunately, like so many other things, the Westminster Kennel Club could not go ahead with its regularly scheduled breed showing at the Piers and group judging at Madison Square Garden during its normal time slot (usually Family Day weekend, which means I don’t have to use as many vacation days from work – score!). As the pandemic grew worse, the date and venue changed. Due to pandemic restrictions, I could not attend this year’s show. I was disappointed, but through the magic of television and social media, I got to watch our Canadian dogs rock Westminster once again!
Photo Credit: Westminster Kennel Club
The 145th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was held at Lyndhurst, a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in Tarrytown, New York, on Saturday, June 12, and Sunday, June 13, 2021. Due to pandemic restrictions, a move to a later date for an outdoor dog show was necessary to uphold Westminster’s commitment to the health and safety of everyone and dog who attends their show.
Westminster Weekend started off with the Masters Agility Championship on Friday, June 11, 2021, followed by junior showmanship, breed, group, and Best in Show judging on June 12 and 13, 2021. The Masters Obedience Championship was on Sunday, June 13, 2021.
This was a particularly exciting show for the four new breeds the American Kennel Club recognized, as this was their first time competing at Westminster. The new breeds are the Barbet, Belgian Laekenois, Biewer Terrier and Dogo Argentino.
Although we didn’t have as many Canadian dogs competing this year, our dogs once again wowed at Westminster! Please join me in congratulations these outstanding Canadian dogs, their owners, their handlers and most importantly, their breeders.
Samoyed
He’s white, he’s smiley, he’s Striker! This handsome Samoyed, known in the ring as GChG Vanderbilt 'N Printemp's Lucky Strike, took Best of Breed and then Group 1st in the Working Group under judge Judy A. Harrington! This beautiful boy was bred by Mengru Wu and Judi Elford. Striker is proudly owned by Correen Pacht, Marc Ralsky, Judi Elford and Blair Elford! He was handled to these incredible wins by Laura King.
Photo Credit: Daybreak Kennels
German Short-haired Pointer
Congratulations to Sporting Group Winner GChS Clarity Reach the Sky VJK-MYST. This gorgeous German Short-haired Pointer goes by the name of Jade outside the ring. Judge Mr. James S. Covey sent Jade from the Sporting Group to Mrs. Patricia Trotter’s Best in Show ring on Sunday night. Jade was bred by Clair Malcolm and Mariah Dupuy. She is proudly owned by Val Nunes-Atkinson, Yvonne Hassler-Deterding, Carley Simpson and Clair Malcolm. Jade was handled beautifully by Val Nunes-Atkinson.
Photo Credit: Westminster Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog
GCh. Woodside’s Arabella won Best of Breed and Group 4th at this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! Arabella is a stunning German Shepherd whose breeder is Sandy Anderson of British Columbia. She’s proudly owned by Karen Swecker-Thacker and was handled to these wonderful wins by Scott Yergin.
Photo Credit: Westminster Kennel Club
Bouvier des Flandres
For the second year in a row, Phoenix aka GCh. Quiche’s Phoenix Rising took Best of Breed! Phoenix is a handsome Bouvier des Flandres from a long line of dogs that consistently win at Westminster, year after year. Phoneix’s is proudly owned by his breeders Elaine and Louise Paquette and Julianna Garrison, and handled by Elaine Paquette.
Photo Credit: Westminster Kennel Club
Norwegian Buhund
Talk about a winning streak! Ragnar took Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show for the third time! GCh. TsarShadow’s Ragnar Lodbrok is a handsome Norwegian Buhund who is proudly owned by his breeder Dawne Deeley. Ragnar was handled beautifully once again by Doug Belter.
Photo Credit: Westminster Kennel Club
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Congratulations, Penny! This gorgeous Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, known in the ring as GCh. Tollerpride Decoy N DoubleShot, took Best of Breed at the 145th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Penny’s breeders are John Gordon, Heather Gordon and Darcie Cantor. She is owned by Greg Moore, as well as John and Heather Gordon. It was very exciting to see a Canadian-bred dog take breed for one of Canada’s indigenous breeds!
Photo Credit: Westminster Kennel Club
The 146th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and the Masters Agility Championship, both presented by Purina Pro Plan, will return to New York City in January of 2022. A bit earlier than usual, but it will be fantastic to see all the dogs grace the Big Apple once again.
The Masters Agility Championship precedes the dog show each year and the Westminster Kennel Club intends to host that popular event on January 22, 2022, at a pending location. At the same venue, the daytime breed judging and the Masters Obedience Championship will be held over three days from Monday to Wednesday, January 24-26, 2022. The evening group and Best in Show competitions will return to Madison Square Garden, the world’s most famous arena, on Tuesday, January 25, and Wednesday, January 26, 2022.
Congratulations to all dogs who competed in the 145th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and thank you to all the Canadian dogs who, once again, showed the world how wonderful Canada’s purposely bred dogs are.