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Next week the dog world will be in New York’s Madison Square Garden for the the 2012 Westminster Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show being held February 13 and 14. In its the 136th consecutive year, this event will continue as the 2nd longest continuously held sporting event behind only the Kentucky Derby. Only champions can enter. So how are the entries shaping up for this year? To find out, let’s take a look at the official website of the Westminster Kennel Club. It shares the following info for a glimpse into the upcoming 2012 Westminster Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show.
As of this writing, there are nearly 2100 entries!! All 185 eligible breeds and varieties will be represented, including six breeds newly recognized by the American Kennel Club. Learn more about them here or by linking to the AKC and breed club webpages that follow. The two new additions to the the herding group are the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund. The non-sporting group newcomers are the Norwegian Lundehund and the Xoloitzcuintli. The American English Coonhound joins the hound group; and, the terrier group welcomes the Cesky Terrier.
The 2012 Westminster Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show is an international event with nearly 5% of the entries coming from foreign countries with Canada leading the pack at 82. Surprisingly, the breed with the most entries to date at 40, the Rhodesian Ridgeback, doesn’t make the top 20 list of most popular breeds, nor do Vizlas at 29. Popular breeds with large numbers of entrants include Dachshunds at 60, French Bulldogs at 39, Labrador Retrievers at 38, Poodles at 34, and Golden Retrievers at 32. American Water Spaniels, Harriers, Kuvaszok, Sealyham Terriers and Canaan Dogs each have only 2 entrants thus far.
Imagine!! Over 2000 entries representing all 185 breeds, including six new ones!! You’ll want to use the Westminster Kennel Club website to plan your visit and see who wins. If you attend the 2012 Westminster Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show next week, share your experiences with us!!
