More than 2,700 dogs entered in the Westminster Kennel Club show that started in New York City on Monday (15 FEB. 2016).
The 140th annual show aims to highlight agility, obedience, and best in show as dogs of over 150 breeds compete while owners or handlers run alongside.
A bumper crop of seven new dog breeds will get a shot at being best in, while a new obedience contest makes more room for mixed-breed dogs at the nation’s premier canine competition.
Drawing dogs from all 50 U.S. states, the nations premier canine competition is evolving to reflect both a growing roster of recognized breeds and rising interest in dog sports beyond the traditional breed judging.
Westminster has given entree to mixed breeds by adding an agility competition in 2014 and the obedience event this year; both are open to non-purebreds.
The obedience competition didn’t draw any mixes, but 26 are entered in the agility contest, up from 17 last year.