2015 Westminster Dog Show

[OldDog]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

How is it political? I'm not challenging; my knowledge of the world of dog shows is limited to Albert Payson Terhune books I read when I was ten. Just curious.

Often the prizes are awarded not to the best dog (the dog who most conforms to the breed standard) but to the most well connected handler and/or the most well known breeder. Or it could be to an old breeder who has been in the business for years without a Westminster BIS and who has announced his/her impending retirement. I've seen it happen, and sometimes it was glaringly obvious. It's the same as any subjectively judged sport. And I don't mean to impugn all judges, but it does happen.
http://dogtipsandtales.blogspot.com/...-politics.html

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by OldDog

Often the prizes are awarded not to the best dog (the dog who most conforms to the breed standard) but to the most well connected handler and/or the most well known breeder. Or it could be to an old breeder who has been in the business for years without a Westminster BIS and who has announced his/her impending retirement. I've seen it happen, and sometimes it was glaringly obvious. It's the same as any subjectively judged sport. And I don't mean to impugn all judges, but it does happen.
http://dogtipsandtales.blogspot.com/...-politics.html

That was fascinating reading! I've read that it's the same problem with ice skating and gymnastics as sports including scores for artistry- whenever a judge can score with a "eh, just didn't do it for me" the integrity is automatically suspect.

[Alabama Stakes]

Last night the show was a page right out of best in show the movie. Some of the announcer comments were real kneeslappers.
Best part had to be when that chick's toupee fell out of her bra. What the hell was that. Hard to believe that those are the best Dachshunds in America.

[OldDog]

Well, politics be damned. I didn't see that coming. Kudos to the Beagle!

[Arletta]

Originally Posted by OldDog

Well, politics be damned. I didn't see that coming. Kudos to the Beagle!

Me either.. My son picked her to win though

I was shocked neither the Sheep Dog nor the Portuguese Water Dog made the top 4