The Breeds to Watch at the Westminster Dog Show
There's a newcomer on the block.
For three days and nights, the 2020 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will take over Pier 94 and Madison Square Garden in New York City. The 144th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will feature 204 breeds with 2,630 entries from 49 states, and a Best in Show Award, all broadcast on February 11.
We're celebrating the occasion with a look at a few of our favorite breeds in each category. From the newly-recognized breeds to old favorites, here's what we'll be watching for.
New for 2020: Azawakh
Named for and native to the Azwakh Valley in West Africa, the ancient Azawakh is a newcomer to this year's Westminster Dog Show in the hound breed, with six entries. Known for a strong sense of loyalty and impressive speed, Azawakh are commonly associated with nomad tribes of the Sahel, a semi-arid region of western Africa.
Herding Group: Australian Shepherd
This breed is well-known for its fierce intelligence and well as its strong herding and guarding instincts. This breed dominates the Herding Group with 28 entries this year.
Hound Group: Dachshund
Dachshunds and the AKC go way back — the breed was recognized in 1885. These adorable dogs have an energetic personality and can be particularly fearless, despite its size and shape. This breed dominates the field on Sunday, with 55 entries.
Non-Sporting Group: Miniature Poodle
The Miniature Poodle is the eighth most popular dog in America. Standing at 15 inches or under, there are two other variations of the poodle. This breed dominates the field on Monday with 43 entries.
Sporting Group: Retriever
Chances are, you have a beautiful Retriever in your life. It's the most popular dog in America, and it's pretty easy to see why. They're friendly, they play well with others, they're intelligent, and have a definite "kind" face. This breed dominates the field on Tuesday with 48 entries.
Hound Group: Rhodesian Ridgeback
Native to Southern Africa, the Rhodesian Ridgeback Hound only comes in wheaten color. These breed dominates the Hound judging group, with 28 entries.
Working Group: Bernese Mountain Dog
Even though these pups can be a bit lunky, they’re perfect for families and are gentle with children. This breed dominates the Working Group field with 30 entries.
Terrier Group: West Highland White Terrier
This breed has a sweet face and fluffy white coat — but don't let that fool you. The West Highland White Terrier has a strong build with particularly powerful hind quarters and muscular legs. We also like that the AKC notes that it is also "possessed with no small amount of self-esteem." There are 18 entries of this breed in the 2020 show.
Toy Group: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
We were surprised to find out that this adorable dog wasn't recognized until 1995. Though regal and fancy, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is known for being affectionate. This breed dominates the Toy Group with 34 entries.
Herding Group: Border Collie
Familiar to all who favor the herding group, the Border Collie is driven and energetic with an array of fur colors and a proud carriage. There are 44 entries of this breed in the Agility portion of the 2020 show.
Terrier Group: Kerry Blue Terrier
Want a dog that has blue fur? Check out the Kerry Blue Terrier, it’s known for its soft and light-blue gray coat. There are 18 entries of this breed in the 2020 show.
Non-Sporting Group: French Bulldog
Listed as the sixth most popular dog in America, the French Bulldog is a favorite for its size and one-of-a-kind appearance. This breed dominates the Non-Sporting Group with 32 entries.
Herding Group: Shetland Sheepdog
A miniature version of the Collie, the Shetland Sheepdog is small, active and sensitive. Look out for 32 entries of this breed during the Agility portion of the show.
Herding Group: Australian Cattle Dog
Cousin to the dingo, the Australian Cattle Dog is known for outsmarting their owners and its compact and spotted appearance.
Herding Group: Bearded Collie
Known for having the most inquisitive expression in the herding breed, the friendly Bearded Collie from Scotland is smart and has a similar appearance to the Old English Sheepdog.
Herding Group: Beauceron
Nicknamed bas-rouge (meaning red stockings) for the reddish coloring on its feet, the Beauceron is known to be best suited for advanced dog owners. It has been said that they can end up owning the owner, without the proper training.
Herding Group: Belgian Malinois
Deprive this breed of exercise and you extinguish its entire motivation for living. Confident and hard working, the Belgian Malinois breed loves to create an unbreakable bond with its owner.
Herding Group: Belgian Sheepdogs
The most beautiful thing about these pups is their proud carriage of their head and neck. Males stand at 26 inches (at the shoulder) and females are slightly smaller.
Herding Group: Belgian Tervuren
Another hardworking breed, the Belgian Tervuren is courageous and known for its proud carriage as well.
Herding Group: Bergamasco
This breed is instantly recognizable for its unique coat, which is actually made up of three different types of hair. The hair forms into long, flat mats that help protect the Bergamasco from weather conditions.
Emy is a journalist and Florida native covering everything from lifestyle, travel, fashion, beauty and more.
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