Westminster Dog Show to pick top dog

(Mary Bloom/WKC)

After stacking up 100 "Best in Shows" at various dog shows, a jet-black Scottish terrier named Sadie may be the hot dog at the upcoming Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the 134th annual event taking place at Madison Square Garden, in New York City, February 15-16, 2010.

America's first and only champions-only dog show will prance around a collection of 2,500 purebred show dogs, representing 173 different breeds and varieties with the best competing in one of seven groups in a bid to win the ultimate "Best in Show."

Since 2005, the show has sold out, getting media attention with its winning prize canines. Last year, Stump, a 10-year-old Sussex Spaniel, was the oldest dog ever to win Best In Show. And in 2008, Uno was the first-ever crowned Beagle.

On Monday, the seven groups judged include the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding breeds and varieties. On Tuesday, Sporting, Working, and Terrier breeds and varieties will be judged. The "Best in Show" will be determined Tuesday night, February 16.

Three breeds are newly admitted to the 2010 show. The Irish Red and White Setter will be included with the Sporting Group, a breed nearly extinct at the end of the 19th century: efforts started during the 1920s have revived the dog. Also participating for the first time in the herding group is the Norwegian Buhund, which means farm dog, and the Pyrenean Shepherd, known by its French name, Berger des Pyrénées.

Nationally USA Network and CNBC cable channels will televise the coverage live for the 27th year. Streaming video on the website will show the main events.

The Westminster Kennel Club show is second to Crufts (www.crufts.org.uk), the world's largest annual international dog show in the world, to be held March 11-14 in Birmingham, England.

Westminster Kennel Club Show

February 15-16, Madison Square Garden, New York

http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org

RC