That’s all for now. Thanks as always for following along with us and be sure to read our full report below.
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What a night! What drama! Redemption for Rumor, who won the Herding Group last year to make the final seven but fell devastatingly short in losing out to CJ the German shorthaired pointer.
Rumor the German shepherd wins Best in Show!
There it is! That’s only the second Best in Show ever for the Herding Group at Westminster. (The first was Covy Tucker Hill’s Manhattan, another German shepherd, in 1987.)
RUMOR HAS IT! Rumor the German Shepherd wins 2017 Best in Show! #WKCDogShow https://t.co/Os56nHXSdV
— FS1 (@FS1) February 15, 2017
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Reserve Best in Show winner: Adrian the Irish Setter
Adrian the Irish Setter wins Reserve Best in Show! They’re dancing in the aisles back in Ocean City, New Jersey!
Bradley has made his decision and he’s heading to the officials’ table to notify them before letting the handlers and spectators know. First the Reserve Best in Show will be announced ... sort of a runner up. Then the big prize.
Bradley continues down the line. Duffy the Norwegian elkhound and Aftin the Miniature Poodle make quick loops, before a big pop for Tanner the Norwich Terrier. Finally Chuckie the Pekingese makes a half-loop before the mindful judge and the crowd coos in delight!
Bradley walks the line and takes a hard look at each of the final seven. Loud cheers when he stops in front of the Boxer. Now he has them go around again, one by one. What tension! What atmosphere! This is what it’s all about.
The final judging continues. Duffy the Norwegian elkhound, Aftin the Miniature Poodle and Tanner the Norwich Terrier are assessed on the pedestal and make their trips around the ring. Then last but not least it’s Chuckie the Pekingese, who seems to be getting the crowd on his side as he trucks around the circuit.
The final assessment begins. First to make the circuit is Rumor the German shepherd, followed by Adrian the Irish Setter, who almost seems to be smiling as he trots around the floor. Then Devlin the Boxer, who is clearly the crowd favorite. Fans of the breed have waited a long time for this: not since 1970 has a Boxer has won Best in Show. The tension continues to build inside the Garden.
The final seven are announced into the arena one by one. Surely the biggest crowd reaction is for to Devlin the Boxer, who struts onto the Madison Square Garden floor to cascades of applause from the upper reaches of the arena.
Nearly 2,800 dogs from 200 breeds and varieties and 49 different states came to New York with a dream, but only one will come away with the title of Best in Show. The moment of truth is here as judge Thomas H Bradley 3d steps forward to inspect the septet.
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The judge tasked with conferring Best in Show honors to one of these magnificent seven is Mr Thomas H Bradley 3d. He will be assisted by stewards Mr Seán W McCarthy, Mr Darrell W Crate and Mr David A Helming.
“It’s the envelope that every judge waits for in the month of May,” says Bradley of his coveted assignment in a televised interview. “And not everybody gets it.”
The final seven
Tanner the Norwich Terrier wins the Terrier Group and the final field of seven for Best in Show is set. They are ...
- Duffy the Norwegian elkhound, winner of the Hound Group
- Chuckie the Pekingese, winner of the Toy Group
- Aftin the Miniature Poodle, winner of the Non-Sporting Group
- Rumor the German shepherd, winner of the Herding Group
- Adrian the Irish Setter, winner of the Sporting Group
- Devlin the Boxer, winner of the Working Group
- Tanner the Norwich Terrier, winner of the Terrier Group
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Terrier Group winner: Tanner the Norwich Terrier
McDemott wastes little time with his choice ... it’s Tanner the Norwich Terrier!
Now Mr Kenneth M McDermott will judge. And he’s picked ou the American Staffordshire, the Cairn, the Smooth, the Wire, the Irish, the Norfolk, the Norwich and the Westie ...
Here’s Queenie the Scottish Terrier, shown by Gabriel Rangel. And she is game. Certainly one to watch tonight. And certainly of a winning pedigree. Perhaps you’ve heard of her famous mum Sadie, who took Best in Show as the favorite back in 2010?
Out on the arena floor, the judging of the Terrier Group continues. Meanwhile backstage, Aftin the Miniature Poodle – winner of the Non-Sporting Group last night – is primped and prepped in advance of tonight’s Best in Show competition, which should go off in the next 15 minutes or so.
Getting ready for tonight's Best in Show! #WKCDogShow pic.twitter.com/RIwmjoPMFx
— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) February 15, 2017
Here’s the Smooth Fox Terrier and he’s living up to his name. Herbert Hoover owned two of them, we’re told. The breed has won Best in Show four times but none since 1910. And it’s a bit deceiving considering the same Smooth Fox – Ch Warren Remedy – accounts for three of them. In fact, that wonderful, wonderful animal remains the only dog to win Best in Show three times at Westminster.
This is JJ, the Dandie Dinmont terrier, who just preened about the circuit to the delight of the crowd. He’s named after JJ Watt, the four-time All-Pro defensive end of the Houston Texans. Obviously.
Now it’s the Terrier Group. Mr Kenneth M McDermott will judge and Mr Charlton Reynders III will steward. Here’s what the AKC has to say about these fine animals:
People familiar with this Group invariably comment on the distinctive terrier personality. These are feisty, energetic dogs whose sizes range from fairly small, as in the Norfolk, Cairn or West Highland White Terrier, to the grand Airedale Terrier. Terriers typically have little tolerance for other animals, including other dogs. Their ancestors were bred to hunt and kill vermin. Many continue to project the attitude that they’re always eager for a spirited argument. Most terriers have wiry coats that require special grooming known as stripping in order to maintain a characteristic appearance. In general, they make engaging pets, but require owners with the determination to match their dogs’ lively characters.
May we have the #Terrier Group in the ring! #WKCDogShow pic.twitter.com/NoKMqZiazI
— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) February 15, 2017
So here’s where things stand. Six of the seven dogs who will compete for Best in Show have been determined.
- Duffy the Norwegian elkhound, winner of the Hound Group
- Chuckie the Pekingese, winner of the Toy Group
- Aftin the Miniature Poodle, winner of the Non-Sporting Group
- Rumor the German shepherd, winner of the Herding Group
- Adrian the Irish Setter, winner of the Sporting Group
- Devlin the Boxer, winner of the Working Group
All that remains to fill out the field of seven is the winner of the Terrier Group, which is coming up next.
Working Group winner: Devlin the Boxer
And Devlin takes it! Last year the Boxer from New Haven was second in the group and this year he comes back to win it ... and he will go for Best in Show in roughly 40 minutes’ time!
Devlin the Boxer wins the Working group! #WKCDogShow pic.twitter.com/DSAC6zLPs5
— FS1 (@FS1) February 15, 2017
That makes 24 group wins for the Boxer!
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And now Mr John C Ramirez will judge. He’s picked out the Akita, the Boxer, the Cane Corso, the Great Pyrenees, the Kuvasz and St Bernard and the Standard Schnauzer! You could cut the tension with a knife in the world’s most famous arena!
Big pop for the Newfoundland, a natural swimmer with true lifesaving instincts. James Buchanan, our 15th president, owned one of these and it was said to be a national celebrity. And before Twitter! Now it’s a Portuguese Water Dog from New York named Noah. This is one to pay attention to: Portuguese Water Dogs have won the group in four of the past six years. He’s soon followed by the Rottweiler, once described as the “middle linebacker of dogs” and the most popular working breed (and ninth overall) according to American Kennel Club registration. But a St Bernard quickly steals the spotlight, prompting swells of applause from the crowd. Thanks, Charles Grodin!
Now the Mastiff, who moments ago looked like he couldn’t be bothered, snaps into action and lumbers about the circuit. Fun fact: The origin of the Mastiff is unknown, but Caesar described the breed in his 55 BC account of the Romans invading Britain.
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And here comes the black Giant Schnauzer. Twice these dogs have won the group and come within one step of Best in Show, in 1990 and 2009, both times falling short of the top prize. Next it’s the mop-looking Komondor, always a crowd favorite.
A Wi-Fi issue in the Garden is compromising the frequency of our updates, but we are not deterred.
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Here’s a Doberman Pinscher named Ripcord, Rip for short. These dogs are said to be alert, fearless, loyal and highly trainable and surely Rip is confidently exuding those qualities tonight.
Devlin is a Boxer from New Canaan, Connecticut. She takes the arena to hearty cheers. Many in the building remember her from last year, when she came agonizingly close to winning the group, finishing second to Bogie the Samoyed in what felt like an upset.
The Samoyed wins the #Working Group! #WKCDogShow pic.twitter.com/UMuXrsBi6m
— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) February 17, 2016
First five into the ring are the Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Anatolian Shepherd Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog and Black Russian Terrier. None of these five have previously won Best in Show, though the Akita has come closest in recent years, winning the group in 1995, 2007 and 2008.
Now it’s the Working Group. They will be judged by Mr John C Ramirez with Mr Barclay Douglas Jr stewarding. Here’s what the American Kennel Club has to say about these fine, fine canines:
Dogs of the Working Group were bred to perform such jobs as guarding property, pulling sleds and performing water rescues. They have been invaluable assets to man throughout the ages. The Doberman Pinscher, Siberian Husky and Great Dane are included in this Group, to name just a few. Quick to learn, these intelligent, capable animals make solid companions. Their considerable dimensions and strength alone, however, make many working dogs unsuitable as pets for average families. And again, by virtue of their size alone, these dogs must be properly trained.
Next up, the #Working Group! #WKCDogShow pic.twitter.com/xp9eAlOQ1b
— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) February 15, 2017
Sporting Group winner: Adrian the Irish Setter
Adrian the Irish Setter wins the Sporting Group!
YO ADRIAN! Adrian the Irish Setter wins the Sporting group. #WKCDogShow https://t.co/0o4JMavjiM
— FS1 (@FS1) February 15, 2017
Mrs Paula Nykiel has narrowed the field. The Golden Retriever is in the final group to the delight of the crowd! The Spinone Italiano and the Wire-Haired Pointer are also in the final group. I’m seeing an Irish Setter ...
A request from Doreen, via email:
I wanted to find out how the Springer Spaniels and German Short Haird Did. I haven’t been able to get on to the live streaming to watch this. It has been so frustrating.
We’re your eyes and eyes, Doreen. The Sporting Group is nearly finished showing now and the verdict should be handed down in the next five to 10 minutes.
The Spaniel run continues with the Black Cocker, Ascob Cocker, Parti-Color Cocker, English Cocker, English Springer, Field, Irish Water, Sussex and Water Springer. Spaniels have historically enjoyed great success at Westminster ever since a Parti-Color called Ch Midkiff Miracle Man won the group in the first year it was judged in 1924. A total of 19 Sussex Spaniels have won Best in Show, most recently 10-year-old Stump in 2009, while English Springer Spaniels have won the group 15 times (including the year before last).
Huge cheers for the Clumber Spaniel, who finished second in this group last year. It feels like just yesterday when a Clumber named Brady won Best in Show here. (Actually, it was 1996.)
Give it up for #Angus the #ClumberSpaniel! He's being shown by Erin Myers #WKCDogShow. pic.twitter.com/lFPCZBfK7v
— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) February 15, 2017
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Now the American Water Spaniel, one of the few original American breeds, not to mention the official state dog of Wisconsin. This champion’s calling name is Blue and, boy, he’s feeling frisky on this night with a bit of pep in his step as he makes his circuit to the roar of the crowd. What a good boy!
Now the Setters: English, Gordon, Irish and Irish Red & White, all of whom get rollicking receptions. The Irish Setter, which has been called the most beautiful of dogs (and “alert and inquisitive; hardworking and brave in the field, playful and affectionate at home” by the AKC), holds the competition record for most group placements (54) and most consecutive group placements (12, from 1933-44). Interestingly, however, an Irish Setter has never won Best in Show in 140 previous years.
We’re about one-third of the way through the 32 breeds in the Sporting Group as we take our first break for a commercial. No official word on tonight’s attendance but the entire lower bowl and most of the upper tiers looks appear nearly full, creating a terrific atmosphere for these fine, fine animals.
The largest swell of applause of the night so far is for the Golden Retriever, who earlier today was judged the best of the 65 to enter this year’s show. That’s the most of any breed in the competition. Goldens are the third most popular breed in the United States according to AKC registration.
We know. The #GoldenRetriever is a fan favorite. #WKCDogShow 😉 pic.twitter.com/RxBcDO91M3
— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) February 15, 2017
Alas, despite their popularity, a Golden Retriever has never won Westminster.
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Next a trio of retrievers: the Chesapeake Bay, the Curly-Coated and the Flat-Coated. None of the three have ever been named Best in Show despite having been entered in the competition since 1877, 1926 and 1926, respectively (though a Flat-Coated Retriever did make the Best in Show finals once in 2001).
The first five to show are the Brittany, Lagotti Romagnoli, Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer and German Wirehaired Pointer. The German Shorthaired Pointer has been entered in the competition since 1935, three times winning Best in Show (in 1974, 2005 and last year).
First up tonight is the Sporting Group. They will be judged by Mrs Paula Nykiel with Mr Benjamin Saunders serving as steward. Last year, a German shorthand pointer named CJ won this group and went on to take Best in Show, the third ever win for the breed after previous titles in 1974 and 2005.
Here’s what the American Kennel Club has to say about the Sporting Group:
Naturally active and alert, Sporting dogs make likeable, well-rounded companions. Members of the Group include pointers, retrievers, setters and spaniels. Remarkable for their instincts in water and woods, many of these breeds actively continue to participate in hunting and other field activities. Potential owners of Sporting dogs need to realize that most require regular, invigorating exercise.
May we have the #Sporting Group in the ring! #WKCDogShow pic.twitter.com/hpwMMnLrwX
— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) February 15, 2017
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Four of the seven group winners who will compete for the title of Best in Show were decided on Monday night. The remaining three groups will be judged tonight in advance of the final round.
“Vin-Melca’s Daggarwood Delight” the Norwegian Elkhound won the Hound group ...
The winner of the #Hound Group is the Norwegian Elkhound! #WKCDogShow pic.twitter.com/npmgruvQmn
— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) February 14, 2017
... “Pequest Pickwick” (or “Chuckie”) the Pekingese won the Toy group ...
And the winner of the Toy Group is #Chuckie the Pekingese! #WKCDogShow pic.twitter.com/YA3XWnzgHP
— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) February 14, 2017
... “Danfour Avalon As If” the Miniature Poodle won the Non-Sporting group ...
The winner of the Non-Sporting Group is the Miniature #Poodle! #WKCDogShow pic.twitter.com/wALrJ5XuG5
— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) February 14, 2017
... and “Lockenhaus’ Rumor Has It V Kenlyn” the German Shepherd won the Herding group.
And #Rumor has it ! The #GermanShepherd is the winner of the Herding Group. #WKCDogShow pic.twitter.com/lH7wNHClO9
— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) February 14, 2017
Hello and welcome to the final night of the 141st Westminster Kennel Club dog show. A field of nearly 2,800 dogs from 200 different breeds and varieties came to New York to vie for the title of America’s best dog. Tonight one will emerge from the pack.
Last year it was CJ, the German Shorthaired pointer. Who will bring home the hardware in 2017?
Bryan will be here shortly. In the meantime here’s a look at scenes from yesterday’s first night of the 141st Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
