Westminster Dog Show at 150! You Won't Believe What's Changed!

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show marks a historic milestone this Saturday, its 150th anniversary. It's remarkable to think back to those Gilded Age gentlemen hunters who originally organized the event in New York, a showcase for their prized dogs. Could they have ever imagined it morphing into what's now affectionately known as the "World Series of dogdom" or even the "Super Bowl of dog shows?" I highly doubt it. After all, the World Series and the Super Bowl were still decades away, so were landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. But the Westminster Kennel Club's dog show existed then, and incredibly, it's thriving today. Talk about endurance!

Westminster Dog Show at 150! You Won't Believe Wha...

As the 150th annual show prepares to air live on FOX, FS1, FS2, and FOX One this Saturday, we're taking a look at the evolution of America's most celebrated canine competition. "The trappings, the window dressing, you know, changes over time. But what’s at the core, what’s the heart of it, which is the love of dogs... that has been the same," says club President Donald Sturz. And that, I think, really hits the nail on the head. Beneath all the pomp and circumstance, it's about the bond we share with these amazing animals.

While it wasn't the very first U.S. dog show, Westminster undeniably captivated audiences and, crucially, has endured. Among U.S. sporting events, only the Kentucky Derby boasts a longer, uninterrupted history. Yet, in many ways, the core essence of the show remains remarkably unchanged from Westminster's early days, according to Sturz. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of showcasing canine excellence.

Of course, subtle details have shifted over time. Sturz noted things like muzzle length and coat thickness that have evolved within specific breeds. Improved canine nutrition has likely contributed to increased size or bone structure in some dogs as well. And today, all participating canines hold champion rankings in a formalized sport governed by a complex point system and official breed "standards." They all compete, of course, for the coveted "Best in Show" trophy, an award Westminster introduced in 1907, as earlier shows lacked an overall prize. That's something I only learned recently - no "Best in Show" at the very beginning!

Hundreds of dogs now also compete for titles in agility and other canine sports, which will kick off this year's show on Saturday. It's a more diverse and inclusive event than it once was. Back in Westminster's early years, the dogs weren't the only ones with a distinguished air. The event has attracted entries from foreign royalty, American tycoons, and modern-day celebrities like Martha Stewart and Tim McGraw. And that's not even mentioning the long list of professional athletes, from baseball's Lou Gehrig and Barry Bonds to the NFL's Morgan Fox, who have also cheered on their beloved animals.

Westminster retains a touch of old-world gentility even in the 21st century – handlers don suits and dresses, judges in upper rounds wear black tie – and the competition is definitely far from casual. Many top contenders arrive with hired professional handlers and a show record built on constant travel, their presence amplified by ad campaigns in dog magazines. It's a serious business for some.

However, plenty of individuals handle their own dogs, balancing the competition with careers in policing, medicine, the military, corporate jobs, and other fields. Some of the animals also have working roles, including bomb-sniffing and search-and-rescue. "It’s an elite event, but it’s one that we want everyone to feel that they can access and be a part of," says Sturz, a clinical psychologist and retired school district superintendent. And that's a sentiment I can certainly appreciate. Even if you're just watching from your couch, you can feel the love and dedication that goes into this event.