The 145th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is this weekend, and there’s a lot to yap about.
For the first time, because of the pandemic, the show has moved 28 miles from inside Madison Square Garden in Manhattan to the outdoors, on the grounds of the 67-acre Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, N.Y.
Spectators and vendors will not be allowed at the event in compliance with the state’s COVID-19 regulations. You’ll be able to watch or stream it on Fox. But don’t worry, the show isn’t in the doghouse for good: the competition has already planned a return to its regular location in New York City in 2022.
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This year’s show will feature 2,500 dogs from all 50 states and Puerto Rico, as well as 10 additional countries. Two-hundred nine breeds and varieties will compete, including four newly eligible breeds: the Barbet, the Biewer terrier, the Belgian Laekenois and the Dogo Argentino.
All will be able to compete and make history in the Best in Show competition, held on Sunday. Here, we’ll catch you up with past winners and meet the newest competing breeds. So what are we waiting for? Let’s meet some dogs.
Now recognized by the American Kennel Club, four breeds are eligible to compete at the Westminster Dog Show. Competing for their first chance in history to appear on the green carpet are:
The Barbet: A French water dog, the American Kennel Club describes the Barbet as “a Muppet come to life.” It’s medium-sized and completely covered in a dense, long, curly coat. The breed will be classified with the Sporting Group. Six barbets will compete this weekend.
The Biewer terrier: Pronounced like “beaver,” the Biewer terrier is a long-haired, tri-colored toy breed that will join the Toy Group. These dogs are small but full of energy, and 10 will compete this weekend.
The Belgian Laekenois: This dog is the rarest of the four native Belgian breeds (which also include the Malinois, shepherd, and Tervuren) and will join the Herding Group. The Laekenois is protective and has a rough red, brown or gray coat. Six will compete this weekend.
The Dogo Argentino: A pack-hunting dog, the Dogo Argentino has a short, entirely white coat. Intelligent and powerful, 14 Dogo Argentinos will compete as part of the Working Group.
