The Westminster Kennel Club DOG Show is the largest and most distinguished DOG show in the world. An annual DOG show, this is an extremely popular event that saw 2,500 DOGS entered into competition last year. Sponsored by the AKC (American Kennel Club), the original version of this event was created by a group of hunters who always met in New York once a year for their DOGS to compete, and the event as since grown.
While adult dalmations are covered in cute black spots, dalmation puppies are actually born solid white. Their spots don't show up until they are at least a week old. Sometimes not until they are a month old.
This show presents different DOGS from every DOG breed for the coveted "Best in Show" title. If you're interested in DOGS, you'll learn a ton about various breeds just by watching the show as the announcers are very systematic about describing each DOG breed as the judges view them one by one.
German Shepherds have incredibly sensitive noses. They have over 225 million cell receptors in their noses, making them ideal for police work, such as bomb and drug sniffing, finding missing children and tracking criminals.
All DOG breeds are broken down into seven different groups. All pure bred species fall into one of these groups: herding, hound, non-sporting, sporting, terrier, toy, and working. All these breeds compete for the "Best of Breeds" titles and then the winners from these breed titles compete to become a "Best of Groups" winner. If the DOG is impressive (and lucky) enough to make it this far, then they will compete for the "Best in Show" title, the most coveted of all, which places one DOG above all others.
Chow Chows have very unusual mouths. When they are born they look normal enough. However, by the age of about 8 weeks, their gums and tongues go from pink to an odd shade of bluish-black.
If you want to enter your pug into the Westminster DOG Show, there are a few rules you need to know. First, there is a rule that for a DOG to be eligible for entry, it must be a champion from at least one AKC competition. You can check the web site to find a list of local competitions in your area. If your pug proves a champion, then you need to send in a form with a $75 fee. Space is limited to 2,500 spaces, which have been filled several years running, so make sure to get your app in early to compete.
Pharaoh Hounds have an unusual feature. They are the only breed of dogs that "blushes". They do this when they are excited or happy. When they "blush" their ears, nose and eyes will become pink.