Editorial: March 6, 2026

Coming off a sensational Westminster Kennel Club dog show, that even the cold snowy weather could not put a damper on, this 150th anniversary show weekend was perfect from start to finish. From the spacious Javits Center, with its wide grooming aisles that, even with spectators, remained passable. The larger rings, the lighting and, not to go unnoticed by the men in attendance, the conversion of the men’s rooms to ladies’ rooms to accommodate those long lines, where else would you get that kind of courtesy to the ladies? You just have to hand it to those visible members of Westminster and the unseen office staff for getting it right. And who can disagree with the magic that is Madison Square Garden? The crowd, the energy, the noise, the music the light show, it is magic. Next year, same time, rain, show, ice or sunshine, the faithful will return once again. Now one month later we have the other world famous dog show, Crufts. Unlike Westminster, that limits it’s entry to 2,500 champions judged over two days, a dog that enters Crufts needs to have won a blue ribbon to compete. Their entry is nearly 20,000 dogs judged over four days. Held in six halls and a proper arena for special events and group and best in show judging. Add to that a spectator count of approximately 150,000. It is quite the event. First-time attendees from the States are overwhelmed, as we were, but the size of the venue, the NEC National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and the scope of the event is staggering.  The sheer number of vendors, including every major and minor dog food company in attendance, something we don’t do, as here in the States, the dog food companies want to be exclusive at our dog shows. Over the year, the entries at Crufts continue to grow and the last venue in London, Earl’s Court, couldn’t adequately accommodate the entry. The move to Birmingham, offering space and parking, was a calculated risk that has paid off. While like many shows, Crufts is gaining on its pre-covid entry and still holds the magic and mystic like its American cousin Westminster, both so different yet both held in such high regard. They have both earned the respect due to them and continue to gain admirers and supporters. Arguably the two best dog shows in the world. They are the best of both worlds and wish them both continued success.