Westminster Kennel Club is Monday & Tuesday

[Gypsy'sMom]

I was there too, and have to agree with Stelly. Although I know when we got near the Boxer area, the only people around were handlers and they were to busy talking to each other to even think about chatting with anyone about the dogs. There was also a period of time when there was a rather large security guard posted infront of a couple of them. I realize it was crowded and very warm, but the handler's could have made a little effort to talk to people interested in the boxers.

We were also there for Tuesday, and although still crowded and hot, there was a friendlier atmosphere in the benching area. Owners/handlers talking to people, more dogs out of their crates. Several of the Golden owners took the dogs crate pads out and put them ontop of the crates, so the dogs were then up on the crate. People had access to them, they were still off the floor, and you could talk to people about their dogs.

This was the first 'benched' show that I have been to, and I guess being that it was Westminster, my expectations were high. So I was somewhat disappointed with that aspect of the show, but it was very exciting being there in person.

 

[SoleilBxrs]

just to add a tiny bit.. you must remember that Westminster is the MOST prestigeous show we have around here.. owners, handlers, dogs even are on edge, before and im sure, right after they've shown. Its a HUGE show, thousands and thousands of people... it being benched can be even more stressful for dogs and their owners and handlers. Even at smaller benched shows (ie: San Fran's cow palace show..), it can still be very stressful. Everyone trying to touch/pet/poke their dogs, little kids sticking hands/fingers/foreign objects into crates, people asking a million and one questions (many of which someone else JUST asked), and its a LONG show. Anybody that has to sit there for hours on end im sure might not be in the best of moods. Im not trying to make excuses for people, but as a spectator, you must also respect the handlers/dogs/owners.. Think of it from their point of view. Ultimately, they are not there to put on a show for you, they are there to compete and hopefully win! I can't wait until the day i attend the "big show at the Garden".. its been a dream of mine since i was a little kid...

-Kat

 

[abby's mum]

I have to agree with SolielBxrs. I do not have experience (yet) with dog shows but I have shown horses for a number of years. At most shows we do not get many non show people through the barns but at a few shows there are more crowds. Many people have no clue about horses let alone showing. Some questions can be downright outrageous. We try to politely answer questions (breed promotion and all) but sometimes when we are tired or busy it is tough. Just take your experience with a grain of salt. If you want to talk to some of these people I would suggest contacting them outside of the show.

 

[Gypsy'sMom]

I totally understand what Kat is saying. I was just giving my view as a first hand spectator. The fact that Westminster is THE SHOW of shows, is what had my expectations high. I thought that Madison Square Gardens would have had an area for the benching to be done in a way more fitting the show side of the event. I certainly didn't expect to find the benching area and all of the vendors jammed into the same area. If the vendors could have been moved into a separate location, I think that would have helped the situation immensely.

Going in, I was looking forward to the chance of seeing several of the countries top boxers in one place, and outside of the competing ring. I did not attempt to 'see' the boxers until after the competition was completed. It's my understanding that at the Eukanuba/AKC show in Tampa, there was a 'meet the breed' booth set up with a schedule of when the different breeds would be in the booth. This would have been a great thing to see at Westminster. (that is if there was an area with adequate space available.)

Again, from a spectators viewpoint, the owners and handlers that are putting their dogs into competition at the benched shows all know going into it, what they are in for. It seems like as much as they don't feel like answering the same question over and over, they know that will be what is going to happen at these types of shows and should at least attempt to be willing to talk to the public about their dogs.

Like Kat, it's been a life long dream to go to Westminster. Now I can say that I've been there, enjoyed the show portion, and was disappointed in the behind the scenes aspect. Would I go back? Yes, probably not every year, but I would like to go back.