With its spectacular beginnings and extraordinary growth in the years to follow , the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was quickly reflecting the growth and success of New York City . As the dog show grew every year , so did the Westminster Kennel Club ’ s position as the symbol of purpose-bred dogs , with its influence being felt in show rings everywhere , and eventually in millions of television homes across the country .
Westminster has long been America ’ s Dog Show . To fully grasp the place in history of the Westminster Kennel Club and its famed annual dog show , consider this : Westminster pre-dates the invention of the light bulb , the automobile , and the zipper ; the building of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Washington Monument ; and crewed air flight and the establishment of the World Series . The dog show has outlasted three previous versions of Madison Square Garden and was staged MSG IV for over 50 years . It is one of only four events to be held in all four “ Gardens .”
Westminster even pre-dates the establishment of the governing body of the sport , the American Kennel Club , by seven years . In fact , in 1877 , members of Westminster and members of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia had together adopted a set of show rules and regulations . They established a Board of Appeals to oversee these rules . This was the precursor of the American Kennel Club , which was finally created in 1884 . As one might imagine , the history of the club and its show is rich and colorful .
The most-coveted award in the dog show world , Best in Show at Westminster , was given for the first time in 1907 . That year , and for the next two years , it also was given to a Smooth Fox Terrier named Ch . Warren Remedy . She remains the only dog to win this most coveted honor three times .
2021
First time the show is held outside of Manhattan
2018
Inaugural WKC Gives Back Awards for Breed
Club Dog Rescue
2016
Masters Obedience Championship Debuts
|
First Woman Handler to Capture Best in Show
1935
1936 First Obedience Demo at Westminster
|
1943 Proceeds donated to Dogs for Defense
First Television Broadcast of Westminster
1948
1951 Westminster Hosts First Field Trial Demo
|
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IV 1968-PRESENT |
Vet Student Scholarship Program Established
1987
1988 Purina Pro Plan Brand is Launched
WKC Becomes First Champions- Only Dog Show
1992
1999 First Time Results Posted on Website
2014
Masters Agility Championship
Debuts
Mixed Breeds Invited to Westminster Agility
2000 First Time TV Audience Exceeds 1M
|
WESTMINSTER There ’ s only one ®