Westminster Dog Show Recap

SI Staff | Feb 11, 2009

Westminster Dog Show Recap

Stump, a Sussex Spaniel

AP

Stump, a 10-year-old Sussex spaniel, became the oldest Westminster champion, and he did so in style. After nearly dying with a bacterial infection in 2004, the floppy-eared pooch came out of retirement to win the crown.

Stump, a Sussex Spaniel

AP

A crowd favorite, Stump edged a elite class in the Best In Show competition at the 133rd Westminster.

Stump, a Sussex Spaniel

AP

Said Best In Show judge Sari Tietjen: "[Stump] showed his heart out. He was everything you want."

Stump, a Sussex Spaniel

AP

Though the Sussex was one of the earliest breeds to be recognized by the American Kennel Club, Stump became its first champion.

Lincoln, a Brussels Griffon

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The 4-year-old smooth-coated Brussels Griffon won the ultra-competitive toy group.

Galilee's Pure Of Spirit, a Giant Schnauzer

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In her third Westminster showing, Spirit won the working group to advance to the Best In Show competition.

Sadie, a Scottish Terrier

AP

Sadie had all the makings of a champion, including a good-luck charm: her leash was the same one used by the winner of the 1967 Westminster show, a Scottish terrier named Ch. Bardene Bingo.

Affirmation, a Standard Poodle

AP

After winning the non-sporting group, Affirmation looked as though she had the B.I.S. competition sealed. But the perfectly coiffed standard poodle fell to Stump.

Conrad, a Puli

AP

Conrad, the herding group champion, didn't even need a bath before strutting his stuff in the B.I.S. After all, his numerous dreadlocks wouldn't have dried in time for the main event.

Tiger Woods, a Scottish Deerhound

AP

Owned by an avid golfer, the 7-year-old Scottish deerhound named Tiger Woods was close to becoming the first in his breed to win it all.

Iggy, an Old English Sheepdog

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Before trotting in front of the judges, Iggy gets groomed.

Hunter, a French Bulldog

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One-year-old Hunter eagerly awaited his turn to wow the judges.

Borzoi hounds

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Borzoi hounds originated in Russia and can weigh more than 100 pounds.

Riley, a Toy Poodle

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Riley traveled all the way from Lincoln, Calif., to attend the New York City event.

Taser, an Affenpinscher

AP

Taser was one of the favorites heading into Westminster, but he was later ousted by Lincoln, the Brussels Griffon.

Digit, a Portuguese water dog

AP

The Portuguese water dog was reportedly one of the top contenders for President Obama's dog.

Ambasciatori Gladius Bean, a Neapolitan Mastiff

AP

Trivia fact: The Neapolitan Mastiff is the estate guard dog of Italy.

Joi and Tarra, Chihuahuas

AP

Joi, a long coat chihuahua, and Tarra, a smooth coat chihuahua, enjoy a little down time backstage before going out in the spotlight.

Gina, a Havanese

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Gina, whose breed is the national dog of Cuba, gets her hair done before going on stage.

Willow, a Smooth Coat Chihuahua

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Looking prim and proper, Willow hoped to become the first Chihuahua to win the big prize.

Dogue de Bordeaux

AP

Weighing an average 140 pounds, the Dogue de Bordeaux made its debut at the Westminster show.

Chinese Cresteds

AP

A member of the toy group, the Chinese Crested come in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff.

Taka Boom, a Italian greyhound

AP

Taka Boom, who is a gazehound (dogs that hunt by sight) keeps a keen eye on the competition.

Uno, a Beagle

AP

The defending champion and first in his breed to win Best In Show, Uno couldn't repeat this year.

Ch Ta Sen Victory Peyote, A Lhasa apso

AP

A non-sporting dog, Ch Ta Sen Victory Peyote was named Best in Breed.

Ruben, an Irish setter

AP

With all that hair, Ruben requires an entire team to get ready.

JoJo, an American foxhound

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JoJo gets a high-five after a glowing performance.

Mickey, a St. Bernard

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Four-year-old Mickey was named the top dog in his breed.

Ch Excelsior Yosef Areli, a Saluki

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Ch Excelsior Yosef Areli reigned atop his breed, which is a member of the hound group.

A Standard Poodle

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A Standard Poodle waits to be groomed. It's a rough life.

An Afghan Hound

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An Afghan Hound sprints in front of the judges at Madison Square Garden.

A Bichons Frises

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Like overgrown cotton balls, the Bichons Frise last won Best in Show in 2001.