Dans Hamptons

New Yorkers are crazy about their dogs. There are specialty dog bakeries, clothing shops, therapists and groomers all over the city teaming with dogs of every shape and size. It comes as no surprise then that the most prestigious dog show in the country, The Westminster Kennel Club Championship Dog Show, is held on February 12 and 13 at Madison Square Garden. At this invite-only competition, champions from all over the country compete for the coveted “Best In Show” prize.

How do they choose a winner? It’s more technical than meets the eye. Each breed of dog has a written standard set by the American Kennel Club that describes the breed’s ideal looks, temperament and talents. Dogs at the show are judged by how well they match that standard. The seven groups, Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding, are judged and the dog from each group that best typifies their breed moves on to the Best In Show competition. Out of these seven dogs, one is chosen who, ideally, represents a near-perfect specimen of their breed.