The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show works to highlight the best of the best within the breeds that are included in their show; new breeds or even ancient ones that are just now getting a foothold in the United States can work for decades to be entered into the show, as the WKC has high standards for those that they include in their prestigious competition. This year, hard work and persistence have paid off for a few breeds, as the club has added six new breeds to their roster this year. Two of these new breeds will be joining the German Shepherd Dog in the Herding Group.
The Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund will bring the Herding Group to a total of 26 breeds, raising the competition for the coveted spot of Best in Group and a chance at the title of Best in Show. As new breeds, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog and the Finnish Lapphund could have a better chance at taking home the award for top dog. In a recent article, the NY Times discussed the shows preference of more exotic or unusual breeds, while more common and more family oriented dogs like the Labrador or German Shepherd Dog are often over looked.
A German Shepherd Dog has only won the title of Best in Show once, in 1987; the German Shepherd Dog that won not only took the title, but took his place in the WKC Show record books as one of the oldest dogs to hold the title, coming in at third at seven years, nine months, and six days old.
Though only one has won, the German Shepherd Dogs that have competed in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show have had some interesting stories. The 1917 competitor was a GSD known as Filax of Lewanno, who was a hero of World War I. Filax had helped to bring a total of 54 wounded soldiers to safety during the war before he came to compete in the show. Another notable shepherd, Afra of Cosalta, belonged to New York Yankee great Lou Gehrig; she competed in 1933.
Millions will tune in to see these new six breeds along with household favorites, like the German Shepherd Dog, compete for the title of Best in Show for 2012. Join them in viewing the 136th Westminster Dog Show by tuning to USA and CNBC on February 13 and 14 at 8 PM ET from your Atlanta-area home. If, while watching the show, you're inspired to welcome a German Shepherd Dog into your family, be sure to do your research into the breed and it's breeders in your area. The German Shepherd Dog Club of Atlanta has a list of responsible breeders in Georgia for you to look into during your search.
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