Stop, Look and Listen
Everyone’s a Spectator at Westminster BY DAN SAYERS
T he few benched shows that remain in America are dif- ferent from the rest. Amidst the glut of today’s all- breed, limited breed and spe- cialty offerings, these events provide exhibitors a chance to slow down just long enough to socialize in a way that fanciers of yore took for granted. They also offer visitors a chance to get up close and personal with
promenade down the length of Pier 94 introduces specta- tors to past Westminster winners. Thanks to the instal- lation of Best in Show photos, weary guests can stop at their favorite image to relive the moment or dream about the future. Of course, the best place to be stopped in your tracks at Westminster is at any of the spacious rings that are filled to overflowing. (Entries this year approached 3,000.) At any time of day, many of the nation’s top-winning dogs in virtually every recognized breed can be found in all their glory not just for the judges’ pleasure, but also for the benefit of breed enthusiasts and would-be dog moms and dads. TAKE A LOOK AROUND Spectators have two good reasons to go to Westminster. The first is to see the dogs, of course. And the second is to watch them being judged by some of the brightest minds in the business. Since the benching areas are a big draw, a per- fect setting is provided where everyone can take a good look around. For first-time visitors, the benches become a kind of living dog book where most of the 201 recognized breeds and varieties come to life. Here, different breed characteris- tics can be touched as well as seen, and temperament can be considered in a way that’s just not possible through a Google search. However, Westminster is not a show held simply for the benefit of the general public. Seasoned exhibitors enjoy seeing the dogs here too. So just before the start of Group judg- ing each night, all of the day’s breed winners are assembled backstage on benches once again. Among the dogs that fanci- ers got to meet up close and personal at Madison Square Gar- den this year was a Russian beauty that displayed her “sassy” side by simply turning her long and elegant head. Another dashing dog, attired in his very own black-and-white formal wear, endeavored to be “clever” as another charming fellow was “Puttin’ on the Ritz” with his every move. One diminu- tive rascal held his Group’s “winning ticket” and another was quite simply “full of beans” as he captivated the audience with his well-rehearsed begging routine. This year’s Reserve Best in Show winner managed to dance into the hearts of millions as effortlessly as he “dances with wildflowers.” The only dog to remain undefeated at this year’s event was a delightful little powderpuff that showed every dog lover in
the pride and joy of America’s preservation dog breeders. In the modern show-and-go world, it’s nice to enjoy the occa- sional weekend where both novice and expert dog lovers can come together for more than a brief moment. The exchanges that are facilitated by the benches are particularly notable at Westminster where even seasoned all-rounders become spec- tators at the sight of so many beautiful dogs under one roof (and on two piers.) At America’s most venerable dog show, everyone takes a moment to stop, look and listen to the cel- ebration of purebred dogs. STOPPED IN YOUR TRACKS Back when the entirety of the Westminster Kennel Club dog show was held at Madison Square Garden—in the dark ages of 2012—it was not uncommon for people and dogs to find themselves stuck in gridlock on both the Garden’s floor and in the backstage benching area. So thick were the crowded conditions that exhibitors had to allow a half hour or more to get from the bench to the ring. But now that breed judging takes place at Piers 92/94 during the day, there are fewer chances to get stuck in a human traffic jam. (Truth be told, congestion does occur at Pier 92’s elevators from time to time, but a comfortably appointed lounge area awaits at Pier 94 where respite may be found for those who enjoy a bit of people watching.) Spectators with or without an entry can stop and have lunch with a friend or do a little shop- ping in the vendor’s area where business this year seemed brisk. And for anyone needing to walk-off his or her lunch or whose overstuffed shopping bags betray an empty wallet, a
“IN THE MODERN SHOW-AND-GO WORLD, IT’S NICE TO ENJOY THE OCCASIONAL WEEKEND WHERE BOTH NOVICE AND EXPERT DOG LOVERS CAN COME TOGETHER FOR MORE THAN A BRIEF MOMENT.”
130 • S how S ight M agazine , M arch 2018
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