It was to have been the year that the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show returned to Madison Square Garden. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic got in the way — again.
But while the setting and the timing remain atypical, a new Best in Show winner will be crowned on Wednesday, ending the run as reigning champion of Wasabi the Pekingese, who seems to be enjoying his retirement — even if he refuses to play fetch.
The competition had been originally planned for January, but was forced to move to June by a spike in coronavirus infections. It will take place at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown (N.Y.), for the second consecutive year.
The dogs seem not to be bothered by this so far.
How to Watch Tonight’s Action
Follow our live coverage of Wednesday’s group finals and the awarding of Best in Show, with commentary, analysis and photos from Lyndhurst.
Television coverage of the United States will start at 7 p.m. Eastern on FS1. The event in Canada will air on Sportsnet One.
At 7:30, judging will begin in the finals for three undecided groups — sporting, working and terrier — with those champions competing against four group winners from Tuesday for Best in Show. The proceedings are scheduled to conclude around 11:15 p.m.
This event is available to stream on Fox Sports Apps and Fox Now. Fox Deportes on Thursday will also air a Spanish-language broadcast of the event at 6 PM.
It is hard to draw a sharper contrast from the typical winter activities of the dog show than grass, bright colors and a Yorkshire terrier’s coat glistening in natural light.
Neal Brower doesn’t just have a tie with a handsome Scottish terrier on it: It is a tie featuring photos of His Scottie, Vispa.
This is not trick photography. Lindsey Dicken was grooming Emmett and Elliott, two pairs of Bichons Frises.
They are here for work. But Tucker, a redbone colonhound who wanted to give Cody Wright some affection, can help you explain that.
The current location of 99 other Dalmatians is unknown.
Stealth, an adorable toy Manchester terrier and Daniel, an average poodle are obviously not playing around.
Westminster requires a lot of grooming. All dogs, their owners and handlers want them to be happy.
We have only 98 left unaccounted for Dalmatians.
One never knows who could be interested in a treat. Unfortunately, this dog was unwilling to just sit and wait.
Many will be curious to see if Westminster’s dogs have any clues about the chaotic contest that lasted for multiple days. Quin Quin is clearly a chow-chow and knows the score.
Monday’s Action
Freddie, an Old English sheepdog who showed some affection for Mandy Maxwell, his handler, got all his wiggles out.
Lyndhurst provided natural lighting to help their coats shine, as a group of Afghan hounds enjoyed the outdoors setting.
Storm did not seem as comfortable as the Afghan hounds, but greyhounds do the worrying so other dogs don’t have to.
Tarrytown has seen a lot of dog accessories. A simple earring is a good touch but clogs covered in dog hair are the best.
Ferdinand and Venus Fly Trap were Ibizan hounds that enjoyed the moment with Lucia. Sarah Murphy, Sarah’s owner, was also present.
It is a photograph of a dog. It is Buddy, a Briard who was groomed Monday.
The dog necklace looks great with glittery clothes, but it would also look good with dog-embroidered trousers.
If there isn’t a catchy name for a group of smooth collies, there should be. Cindy Lou, Vava, Damnit, and Tito all deserve one.
You can’t be more royal than a bunch of borzois grouped together.
It is difficult to find a more charming American foxhound.
However, it is hard to look like Iris. This requires a lot of attention. Olivia Betancourt was delighted to help.
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