Today’s guest author gives a nod to some of our most loyal readers, show dog parents. We receive frequent questions from this group of dog lovers in regards to natural methods of improving the quality of their dog from the inside out. They use natural supplements that result in stunning coats, bright eyes, and top performance overall. Sometimes we learn as much from them as they do from us. Congratulations to all participants striving to be the best they can be, big or small, pure or mixed breed.

Fans Howling for the 138th Westminster Dog Show

The 138th edition of the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show organized by Westminster Kennel Club was held in New York on the 10th and 11th of February 2014. The event took place at Pier 92 and Pier 94 in New York, with the finals held at Madison Square Garden. In addition to the traditional events, new events were introduced this year for the dogs and their handlers.

As one of the most popular dog shows in the country, this annual event was attended by dogs and their handlers all over the country. Usually only pure breed dogs are allowed to compete in certain categories against other dogs of the same category, so that the best dog in a particular category can be selected. These dogs are judged on the basis of their appearance and temperament by the judges to select a winner.

However, this year, in keeping with changing conditions and demands from pet owners, the dog show also incorporated a new category called the masters agility event. Unlike conventional dog shows, dogs of all breeds, including mixed breeds were allowed to participate in this event, which tested how agile and well trained the dog was. The dogs participated in the agility event were classified on the basis of their size.

In the master’s agility event at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the dogs and their handlers had to complete an obstacle course in the shortest possible time. The obstacle course included tunnels, A-frames, jumps, teeter totters, poles and dog walks. Rather than appearance and breed, the dogs were judged on the basis of the ease with which they surmounted these obstacles.

Traditionally, dogs have been kept as pets for their ability to protect their master against hostile intruders who want to cause physical harm and also steal the possessions of the master. Thus, the ability of the dog to defend its master against enemies depends greatly on the agility and fitness of the dog, but this quality is rarely considered in judging the value or importance of a dog in most conventional dog shows.

By incorporating the master’s agility event, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show attracted attention from a larger number of dog lovers all over the country, who have mixed breed dogs which are welly well trained and agile, but are unable to participate in most conventional dog shows. Agility events test the skills of both the dog as well as their handler, in negotiating a new unfamiliar course, as quickly as possible.

As there is always an element of uncertainty and excitement, agility events for dogs have become an interesting spectator sport, with a large television audience as well, in a short period of time. Many dog owners are training their pets and participating in agility events like Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show after watching similar events on television channels such as Fox Sports 1. Former Olympian diver Greg Louganis is now one of commentators for the dog agility event on Fox Sports 1.

After the preliminary events of the 138th Dog Show were held at Piers 92 and 94, New York, the grand finale of the event took place at Madison Square Garden, New York, at night on Tuesday, the 11th February, 2014, with Sky a sky terrier, declared the overall winner.

Did the open agility class motivate you to watch the show or plan to enter the next one?  Please tell us about it in the comments below.

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