National Dog Show Wiki: A Guide to the Competition

The National Dog Show is one of the most prestigious dog competitions in the world, and it's a must-watch for any dog lover. It's held annually on Thanksgiving Day in the United States.

The competition is a non-sporting event, meaning it's not a working dog competition, but rather a showcase of purebred dogs. The American Kennel Club (AKC) sanctions the event.

Each year, hundreds of dogs from over 200 breeds participate in the show. The dogs are judged on their breed standards, and the winner is crowned Best in Show.

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Previous winners of the national dog show include some impressive breeds and individuals. The Labrador Retriever, for example, took home the top prize in 2001 with a dog named Gus.

Some notable champions include the Bloodhound, which won in 2014 with a dog named Nathan, and the Whippet, which won in 2018 with a dog named Whiskey. The Scottish Deerhound has also had its share of success, winning in 2020 and 2021 with a dog named Claire.

Here's a list of some of the past champions and winners:

The Best in Show winners have been a diverse group, with breeds ranging from the Labrador Retriever to the Whippet.

The Labrador Retriever was the breed of the first Best in Show winner, Gustavus Brady, in 2001.

The Smooth Fox Terrier, Aimhi Avalon Renaissance, also known as Gracie, took home the top prize in 2004.

In 2018, the Whippet, GCHG Pinnacle Tennessee Whiskey, affectionately known as Whiskey, won the Best in Show title.

Here's a list of the Best in Show winners from 2001 to 2022:

The champions also come from a variety of breeds, with the first champion being a Bichon Frise, CH Special Times Just Right!, in 2001.

The Norfolk Terrier, CH Cracknor Cause Celebre, also known as Coco, was a champion in 2003.

The Whippet, GCHP CH Pinnacle Kentucky Bourbon, affectionately known as Bourbon, was a champion in 2020.

Here's a list of the champions from 2001 to 2023:

The first national championship was held in Orlando, Florida in 2001. It was a momentous occasion that marked the beginning of a long-standing tradition.

The 2002 show was also held in Orlando, Florida, indicating a strong connection between the city and the championship.

The 2003 show was a significant departure from the previous two, moving from Orlando to Long Beach, California, a change that likely brought a fresh perspective to the competition.

In 2006, the show switched from being held in January to being held in December, resulting in two shows that year, with two winners.

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Jewel, the young American foxhound, was the first winner in the 12-year history of the National Dog Show to come from the Hound Group, winning her group at 2012's National Dog Show and at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February 2013.

Clooney, the Irish Setter, was known for his perfect performance in the ring and his lovable personality, which made him a crowd favorite.

Jewel is also the top-winning American foxhound in the history of the breed, a record formerly held by her grandfather.

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Jewel, the young American foxhound, made history in 2013 by becoming the first winner from the Hound Group in the 12-year history of the National Dog Show.

She was named Gch. Kiarry's Pandora's Box and was the top-winning American foxhound in the breed's history, breaking a record previously held by her grandfather.

Jewel's impressive show record included winning her group at the 2012 National Dog Show and at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February 2013.

For another approach, see: National Dog Show Hound Group

In 2009, Sadie was a notable winner.

Rangel was extremely proud of Sadie's achievement.

She was a wonderful show dog.

It was an overwhelming feeling of happiness for Rangel.

To be eligible for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, your dog must be registered with the AKC and recognized for conformation show competition. In 1884, the AKC began requiring this for all dog participants.

The AKC limits entries by requiring dogs to have already earned their breed championship before appearing at Westminster. This rule was put in place starting in 1992, but was later amended to allow dogs with only one of the two required "major wins" towards their championship titles.

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Since 2020, the requirement that a dog be a Champion was reinstated by the Westminster Kennel Club. The entry limit has also decreased to 2,500.

The top five dogs in each breed, based on breed points earned in AKC conformation showing, receive printed invitations and are eligible for early entry. They must also be the Best of Breed winner from their breed's national specialty show.

Other dogs with at least one "major win" may enter after the early entry deadline passes, up to a cut-off entry total of 2,800 dogs. There is no prohibition against a winner competing again in future Westminster shows.

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The Terrier group is the most successful at the Westminster Show, with a whopping 46 wins out of 103 times the prize has been awarded since 1907.

The Terrier group's dominance is impressive, and one breed in particular stands out: the Wire Fox Terrier, which has won 15 times.

Discover more: Dog Show Non Sporting Group

Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, two of the most popular breeds in the US, have never taken home the top prize.

Here's a breakdown of the number of wins for each dog group:

The oldest dog to win Best in Show was a Sussex Spaniel named Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee, who won at the ripe age of 10 in 2009.