Can you even imagine a dog show with only 1,200 dogs? That was literally the scene at America's first-ever major dog show in 1877. Today, the Westminster Dog Show is an institution, but its origin story is actually pretty wild.
Get this: the Westminster Kennel Club was basically started by a bunch of guys who liked to drink and brag about their hunting dogs. They met at a hotel bar in Manhattan, and when it came time to name their new club, they just named it after their favorite bar. Yes, really. The most prestigious dog club in America is named after a bar. I know, right?! 🤯
They decided to put on a dog show to, you know, actually see whose dog was best. They called it the "First Annual New York Bench Show of Dogs" and held it at Gilmore's Garden, the spot that would later become Madison Square Garden.
The show was an instant hit. It was supposed to last three days, but it was so popular they had to extend it to four. A whopping 1,201 dogs were entered, which was a massive number for the time. People were obsessed. One magazine at the time said it was a "magnificent triumph" and that it brought out the "culture, wealth and fashion of the town." 💅
This wasn't just any old dog show. Some of the dogs entered were from the late General Custer's pack, and two were even bred by the Queen of England herself! 👑 It was basically the Met Gala, but for dogs.
Here’s the truly insane part. The Westminster Dog Show is older than almost everything. It’s the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., only beaten by the Kentucky Derby (by just two years!).
Think about it. This dog show started before:
It has survived world wars, depressions, and even a pandemic. That’s some serious staying power. From a casual bar club to a global phenomenon with over 3,000 entries today, it’s been a wild ride. Who knew dog shows had so much drama? 🤫
Club History - The Westminster Kennel Club
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - Wikipedia
How the Westminster Dog Show Got Its Name - The New York Times
