The 146th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina ProPlan has come to a close after five days of record-breaking excitement. Two dogs made big-time history this year. But first, let’s appreciate the fact that this is the 146th Westminster show. The only sporting event with a longer continuous running record is the Kentucky Derby. What can we say? We love our dogs and horses. Now, we’d like to congratulate Trumpet the Bloodhound, Bee the Shetland Sheepdog, Winston the French Bulldog and Betty the for making history at Westminster this year.
4 (Adorable) Dogs That Just Made History at Westminster 2022
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Published Jun 23, 2022
Westminster Kennel Club
1. Trumpet The Bloodhound
Let’s start with Trumpet the Bloodhound. This dog, with his signature folds, droopy eyes and floppy ears, is the first Bloodhound in Westminster’s 146-year history to win Best in Show! In fact, there are over 150 dog breeds that have never won Best in Show, including the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever, the two most popular breeds in the U.S. Trumpet, bred and co-owned by Chris and Bryan Flessner, Tina Kocar and Heather Buehner out of St. Joseph, Illinois, is 4.5 years old and has only been competing professionally since January of 2022! Pretty impressive stuff, Trumpet. We can’t wait to see this drooling sweetheart at future Westminster events. He’s really been an example to Bloodhounds everywhere!
Westminster Kennel Club
2. Bee The Shetland Sheepdog
On Saturday, June 18, Bee won the 9th Annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster. A Shetland Sheepdog has never won this event before! This long-haired breed is known for its intelligence and diligent herding capabilities. Let’s add speed to that list, too. Bee completed the agility course in 29.81 seconds. Alongside her handler, Jennifer Crank, Bee competed in the 16-inch height division against 350 other dogs to make it into the championship round. Then, she outran, out-dodged and out-performed 50 finalists to become the first Shetland Sheepdog to become a Masters Agility Champion.
Pro tip: Agility activities and training are great options for high-energy, high-intelligence breeds. It not only challenges their bodies and minds, it helps you bond with your dog!
3. Winston The French Bulldog
Now, say hello to Winston the French Bulldog. This is the first French Bulldog to win Best in Show Reserve, which is like Westminster’s second place. Out of Bixby, Oklahoma, Winston emerged victorious over 320 other dogs in the Non-Sporting Group. This stocky, energetic pup practically leaped for joy when Judge Evalyn Gregory announced his win. Frenchies have never won Best in Show and this is the farthest they’ve gotten in the competition.
4. Betty The Golden Retriever
Finally, we’ve got to give it up for Betty the Golden Retriever. This year, the Westminster Kennel Club partnered with Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc., to sponsor a service puppy in training. Betty is that puppy. Named after Betty White, an outspoken animal rights advocate and Golden Girl who served in the American Women's Voluntary Services in WWII, this pup will learn everything there is to know about being a service dog through the Valor Service Dog program. Once she finishes her Support Dog Training Program, Betty will be placed with a military veteran or first responder in need of mobility assistance or emotional support for PTSD. Golden Retrievers make excellent service animals because they are friendly yet loyal, affectionate yet obedient and intelligent without being stubborn.
Cheers to all of these dogs for making history at the 146th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show!
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