Coronavirus concerns delay Westminster Dog Show, event moves out of NYC
Kennel club cited guest health and safety as reasons for moving show
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Change is ruff, but the (dog) show must go on.
The Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) Dog Show’s 145th competition has been bumped to the spring, and will be hosted outdoors amid an uncertain future as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
The canine competition’s elite events will run from June 11 to 13 at Lyndhurst mansion in Tarrytown, N.Y., a far bark away from the traditional February contest at Madison Square Garden.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A Standard Poodle named Siba wins Best in Show during the annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show on February 11, 2020 in New York City. ( Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)
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“Due to the ever-changing government restrictions during the pandemic, a move to a springtime, outdoor dog show was necessary to uphold Westminster’s strong commitment to the health and safety of everyone who attends our show,” the WKC said in a news release.
The canine competition’s elite events will run from June 11 to 13, 2021 at Lyndhurst mansion in Tarrytown, N.Y. (iStock)
The 67-acre Lyndhurst estate, a National Trust for Historic Preservation property on the Hudson River, is 25 miles north of the Big Apple, and has been the stomping grounds for other dog shows for 30 years, officials said.
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Bichons Frises gather in the judging ring during the Daytime Session in the Breed Judging across the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February 2019. (TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)
“The wide-open outdoor space at this extraordinary venue allows us to hold a dog show safely while following current social distancing guidelines and public health regulations,” said Charlton Reynders III, Westminster Kennel Club President.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 207 eligible breeds for Westminster next year include three newly recognized by the American Kennel Club: the Barbet, Belgian Laekenois and Dogo Argentino, the Associated Press reports.
The Pekingese 'Pequest Primrose' and trainer compete during the Toy Group judging at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in February 2019. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
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Judging commences in the Best in Show competition in the 144th Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York City. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
This past February at the 2020 WKC Dog Show, Siba the standard poodle was crowned top dog at the Garden.
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Best in show will be chosen on June 13, and televised by Fox.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.