It’s Dog Meet Dog at MSG

By JENNIFER SZULMAN

Every dog has its day.

At least that was the case for the two new breeds that will now be contenders for the title of “Best in Show” at the renowned Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February.

For the first time in the show’s long history a  Coton de Tulear and a Wirehaired Vizsla will be among the 192 different varieties and breeds competing at the annual show in Madison Square Garden.

Luna (the Coton de Tulear) and Falko (the Wirehaired Vizla) were formally introduced to the press corps in the lobby of Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

“There’s something for everybody,” said club director of communication David Frei, longtime co-host of the yearly telecast on USA Network. “We now have 192 different breeds and varieties which is amazing. When I started doing the show on television in 1990, we had 142. A great dog is a great dog. It could be any breed.”

The Coton de Tulear is a non-sporting dog defined by the “cottony texture” of the splendidly fluffy white coats. Cotons were also proclaimed the “Royal Dog of Madagascar,” and became a favorite of the Island’s aristocracy. The other new face to the Westminster competition is a Hungarian hunting dog characterized by a lean, athletic appearance and dense-wire coat.

Established in 1887, The Westminster Kennel Club is America’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs. The American Kennel Club determines the breeds that are eligible for the competition. The qualifications to compete are based on the number of the breed in the United States, whether they have a good geographic distribution and a parent club to advocate for them. Once those qualifications are met, the AKC will work with the dogs to become eligible.

The show is the second longest continuously held sporting event, second only to the Kentucky Derby.

Rounding out the bunch at the press conference to celebrate the new competitors were golden retriever, Tracker, French bulldog, Snuffles and Mr. America himself, the Leonberger.

Since these dogs were bred as show dogs, they were relaxed around people and other dogs. Forever friendly and always ready to receive love and affection, the contestants affirm that dogs remain man’s best friend.

“Dogs really are members of our family,” Frei said. “Westminster is a celebration of the dogs in our lives.”

Asked their opinion of the contest the dogs made no comment.