2010 Best in Show winner Sadie calm amongst Westminster Dog Show chaos

For two frigid days in February, chaos reigned at the 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – also known in shorthand as the Westminster Dog Show.  Audience members trash-talked several canines’ physical appearances on the floor.  Press seating allocations appeared to be non-existent.  A shouting match and subsequent fight actually took place in the Madison Square Garden stands, causing security intervention.  More bizarre proceedings took place during the Best in Show competition, when two PETA protestors ran into the middle of the ring holding signs that read “Mutts Rule” and “Breeders Kill Shelter Dogs.”  Even backstage in the holding area, a losing dog owner didn’t sense the humor in her own remark when she muttered aloud that she was going to “go home to lick [her] wounds.”

But the one result that, thankfully, was as sure and steady as her gait was the announcement of Ch Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot, a.k.a. Sadie, as the 2010 Best in Show winner.  The Scottish Terrier had been the No. 1-ranked show dog going into Westminster with 112 Best in Show results under her belt and – with her Westminster win – was the first pooch to complete the Triple Crown of dog shows, having won the National Dog Show and the American Kennel Club/Eukanuba National Championship earlier in the season.  Other finalists included a Toy Poodle (Toy Group), a Puli (Herding Group), a Whippet (Hound Group), a French Bulldog (Non-Sporting Group), a Brittany (Sporting Group) and a Doberman Pinscher (Working Group).

Photo Gallery: 2010 Best in Show Competition
all photos by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine

The 135th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show takes place at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 14 and 15, with breed and group competitions occurring both days, then culminating with the Best in Show champion announcement.  For ticket information, go to www.westminsterkennelclub.org.