Three Breeds Join 134th Westminster Dog Show

The 134^th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, presented by Pedigree, is airing live on February 15 and 16, 2010. The prestigious dog show will air on USA Network and CNBC, hosted by David Frei and Tamron Hall, with NBC Sports' Tiffany Simons as a sideline reporter. In 2010 three newly recognized dog breeds will be joining the competition at Westminster. The AKC breeds new to Westminster are the Irish Red and White Setter, the Norwegian Buhund and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show divides the competition into six groups of dogs: The Sporting Group, The Terrier Group, The Working Group, The Toy Group, The Hound Group and The Herding Group. Groups of Dog Breeds

The Best of Breed champions compete for Best of Group. The Best of Group Champions compete for Best of Show. The 2009 winner of Best of Show was Stump, the Sussex Spaniel. Stump the Sussex Spaniel Wins Westminster. The 2008 winner of Best of Show was Uno the Beagle. Uno the Beagle Day Declared in State of Illinois

Joining the Sporting Group is the Irish Red and White Setter, which is a distinct breed of Setter. The Irish Red and White Setter is a canine that is strong, athletic and powerful that has a keen, intelligent attitude. As a sporting dog, the Irish Red and White Setter is bred for the field and sports. The Red and White Setter, which is believed to be the older of the two Irish Setter breeds, and has been known in Ireland since the 1700s. Guide to Sporting Dogs

Joining the Herding Group are the Norwegian Buhund and the Pyrenean Shepherd.

The Norwegian Buhund, new to the Herding Group, is a ancient breed that was once the treasured companion of the Vikings. Originally from Norway, The Norwegian Buhund is a farm dog. The name Buhund literally means farm dog in Norwegian: Bu is for farm and hund means dog. As a farming/herding dong, the Buhund herds livestock and guards property. This versatile canine also can hunt game.

The Pyrenean Shepherd, which in French is Berger des Pyrenees. Americans often shorten the breed's name to 'pry shep.' The Pyrenean Shepherd is rare outside of France, but is a very popular dog in its home country, where the dog is a cherished family companion. The Pyrenean Shepherd is new to the Herding Group. Breeds in the Herding Group of Dogs

According to a press release from NBC, the Westminster Show has 2010 has 2,500 entries, from the United States and eight foreign countries. Tune into the live broadcast of the 134^th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on USA Network and CNBC to see all of the breeds compete at Madison Square Garden in New York, on February 15 and 16, 2010. The 134^th Westminster Kennel Club Show is presented by Pedigree.

Resources:
NBC
Westminster Kennel Club
American Kennel Club

Related Articles:
Westminster Dog Show Debuts New Breeds
Working Dogs
Guide to Hound Dogs
Breeds in the Terrier Group of Dogs
Breeds in the Toy Group of Dogs
Breeds of Dogs in the Non-Sporting Group