Editorial: July 28, 2023

The Westminster Kennel Club stated that within three months of their most recent dog show, they would announce their plans for the 2024 event. True to their word, they have announced that the 2024 dog show will once again take place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York — the same venue as last year, but held a week later, so as not to interfere with the Bucks and Trenton events. Without having those dog shows preceding Westminster, it will make for a more relaxed weekend, giving exhibitors and spectators time to take advantage of all the things the city has to offer. The weekend starts on Saturday, May 11, with the very competitive and entertaining 11th annual Masters Agility Championship and the 9th annual Masters Obedience Championship competitions. There will also be some special events held on Saturday that will include dock diving, a breed showcase, a dog-sports demonstration ring and a dog show 101 presentation. The conformation classes will be held on Monday, May 13, with Hounds, Toys, Non-Sporting and Herding breeds and groups, and Tuesday, May 14, with Sporting, Working and Terrier breeds and groups and Best in Show. The Tennis Center seemed to be very popular among the exhibitors and spectators, especially the covered court that was so reminiscent of the arena at Madison Square Garden. While we now know the location and dates for the dog show, all that’s left to be announced is the judging panel. The speculation builds as the time nears. The return to the Tennis Center next year gives the club more time to explore and firm up a more permanent venue. Of course, the hope is that it will be in the city and bring back the Westminster Week as we knew it, with dinners, parties, theater, shopping and sightseeing. Until then, the members of Westminster have done a yeoman's job in keeping the timing and prestige of the world-class dog show it has always been. Patience has its rewards. Until all that is signed, sealed and delivered, as the song goes … Tennis, anyone?