Saturday, February 09, 2008

Westminster Dog Show Starts Monday


One hundred and sixty nine breeds of dogs -- including four making their first appearance -- will be flouncing around Madison Square Garden next week as the 132nd annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show kicks off in New York City.

We'll get to those making their debuts in a moment -- thereby allowing the suspense to build -- but for now we'll explain how the show will be televised, because it's a little confusing.

The kennel club this year is promising "unlimited access" to what's going on -- both onstage and behind the scenes. The show, sponsored by Pedigree®, will be aired live on the USA Network from 8 to 9 p.m. Monday and 8 to 11 p.m. Tuesday. It will air live on CNBC from 9 to 11 p.m. Monday.

And it can be watched on the Internet, as well. Competition in each breed and variety may be viewed (if you have a high speed connection) in streaming video at the Westminster Kennel Club website. Video will be available within two hours of completion of the judging.
That judging will include four breeds never before seen at the Westminster Dog Show -- and here, you might say, is where the Plott thickens ...

The four breeds eligible for the first time are the Tibetan Mastiff (Working), the Swedish Vallhund (Herding), the Beauceron (Herding), and the Plott (Hound Group), pictured to the right.

The Plott is a hunting hound of striking color that traditionally brings big game to bay or tree, and is noted for stamina, endurance, agility, determination and aggressiveness when hunting. A streamlined and muscular breed, it combines courage with athletic ability. The Plott easily traverses various terrains with agility and speed. Loyal and eager to please, the Plott is an aggressive, bold, and fearless hunter, according to the breed description.
To see all four the new breeds click here.

(Photo courtesy of Westminster Kennel Club)

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