Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show: Day 1 Recap

Temperatures were frigid on the East Coast, but the action was hot in the show ring at Madison Square Garden.  Day one of the 2015 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show got under way Monday night in the Big Apple.  On the first day of competition, Best in Group was awarded in the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups.

Miss P., 15-inch Beagle

Hound Group:  If any group captures the magic of the WKC Dog Show, it's the Hound Group.  This group includes the gigantic Scottish Deerhound, the squat little Bassett Hound and everything in between.  Nathan the Bloodhound won the group in 2014 and was back to defend his title in 2015.  But it was Miss P, a 15-inch Beagle from Canada, who won the Hound Group.

Toy Group:  When you take a look at these pups, "man's best friend" might not be the first thing that springs to mind.  In fact, "dog" might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you see some of these breeds.  Nonetheless, the the winner of the toy group has recently had an excellent chance at taking home the coveted title of Best in Show.  Rocket, a male Shih Tzu, won Best in Group and advanced on to Tuesday night's competition.

Non-Sporting Group:  The Non-Sporting group is basically a catch all group.  Any breed that does not fit into one of the other six groups competes here.  This year, the non-sporting group welcomed a new breed, the Coton de Tulear.  For the second year in a row, it was a Standard Poodle that won the group.  Flame will represent the Non-Sporting group in the Best in Show competition.

Swagger in 2013

Herding Group: The Herding Group is one of the most entertaining groups at Westminster.  This group contains some of the most intelligent and athletic dogs.  Swagger, the Old English Sheepdog, won this group in 2013.  Swagger was upset in last year's competition but reclaimed his title this year.  Swagger has the experience to make a strong push for Best in Show at the end of Tuesday night.

Coverage of the 139th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will resume on Tuesday night at 8:00 p.m. EST on USA.  Tuesday evening's competition with begin with the Best in Group competitions for the Sporting, Working and Terrier groups.  The evening will end with the crowning of the 139th Westminster Kennel Best in Show.


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