How to Get Your Dog Into the Westminster Kennel Club Show

Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the second longest continuously running AKC benched dog show, preceded only by the Devon and County Show. Held in New York City over two days in February, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the most prestigious and renowned purebred dog show in the United States. Getting your dog into the Westminster Kennel Club Show is no easy feat. Here are the steps to take:

1. Be aware of the entry requirements:

- Check Eligibility: The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is only open to purebred dogs that are registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and meet certain conformation standards.

- Qualify for Entry: To enter the show, your dog must first earn at least 15 points in AKC-sanctioned dog shows.

2. Find the right group for your dog:

- All breeds are assigned to one of the seven groups recognized by the AKC: Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. Make sure your dog is entered in the correct group.

3. Choose a reputable handler:

- Professional Handlers: Given the highly competitive nature of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, consider hiring a professional handler to help you present your dog. A good handler will know how to show off your dog's best features and ensure that it's well-groomed and well-behaved.

4. Enter the show:

- Complete Entry Forms: Fill out the necessary entry forms and submit them to the Westminster Kennel Club by the deadline. You'll need to include information about your dog, its registration number, and the classes in which you're entering it.

- Pay Entry Fee: Entry fees at Westminster are around $100 per class per breed. There is also a one-time exhibitor’s fee of $100.

5. Show your dog:

- Present Your Dog: On the day of the show, your handler will present your dog to the judges. The judges will evaluate your dog based on its appearance, temperament, and conformation to its breed standards.

- Prepare for Judging: Make sure your dog is groomed and well-behaved before entering the ring. Practice handling your dog and getting it used to being in the show ring.

6. Win your class:

- If your dog wins its class, it will advance to compete against the best dogs in its breed. Eventually, one dog will be named Best of Breed.

- Champion of Champions: The Best of Breed winners then compete for the coveted title of Best in Show.

Keep in mind that getting your dog into the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a challenging process, and only a select number of dogs are chosen to compete. But with careful planning, preparation, and a bit of luck, you and your dog could be making your way to the prestigious Westminster show.