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The Executive Board For The Westminster Dog Show
Esteemed Delegates,
It is my incredible pleasure to be your director for FLCS IX and to welcome you to the
Westminster Dog Show Executive Board committee! My name is Hannah McTiernan, and I
am a junior here at the University of Florida, studying Psychology with a minor in Studio Art.
Model United Nations has been such a special part of my college experience here at UF. I have
staffed FLCS for the past two years, both as a crisis staffer and assistant director, and every
year I am blown away by what an astonishing conference it is. Additionally, I have served
as the Under Secretary General of Public Relations for UF’s high school MUN conference,
GatorMUN, for the past two years.
The inspiration for a committee on the Dog Show stems from a childhood where the Dog
Show was as special as the super bowl. I had a dog from the age of 5 until 18, a Bichon Frise
named Trevor. Every year, we would gather around with Trevor to cheer on his “cousin”
(whatever bichon was competing that year). This became our special event, getting our dog
all riled up by yelling at the TV for him. However, it wasn’t until a year after he passed away
in 2018 that Flynn, a Bichon Frise, took home the Best in Show for the first time since 2001. It
was very special to my family to get to see this victory and remember all of the unforgettable
times we shared with Trevor.
I chose an executive board as my committee because it is so gratifying to see something such
as a nationally-loved event come together, with all of the pieces that are often overlooked
playing an essential role in the appearance of effortlessness that these events uphold. The
Westminster Dog Show is no exception to this, bringing together the best of the breeds in
none other than Madison Square Garden. As previously stated, I am currently a part of an
executive board for UF’s High School Model UN conference, so I have experience with the ups
and downs of putting together a large-scale conference, and let me tell you, our conference
sizes are nothing compared to what Madison Square Garden hosts!
A big suggestion of mine, beyond this background guide, is to look into the show “7 Days
Out,” found on Netflix. It takes a look into the biggest events globally and how much goes into
these creations, especially in the week leading up to the event. They have an episode on the
Westminster Dog Show, and I highly recommend it for a bit of visual reference of the event.
It is by no means required for this committee, but rather just something I found interesting
from the perspective of some members found on the Executive Board.
I look forward to seeing all of you experience the amazement of FLCS, whether it be your first
time competing or your last! Let’s make this year’s Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show the
best one yet, at the hands of each and every one of you! If you have any questions, I can be
reached at floridacrisissimulation@gmail.com
Best of luck,
Hannah McTiernan
Director, The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 1
History
Before there were cars, airplanes, or computers, when
there were only 38 states in the United States, there was
the Westminster Dog Show. The Westminster Kennel
Club Dog Show is the second-longest continuously held
sporting event, the first being the Kentucky Derby. Formed
in 1887, a group of sportsmen that enjoyed hunting
wanted to compete their dogs against one another. They
wanted to compare their dogs to each other away from
their usual hunting atmosphere. This originally consisted
exclusively of settlers and pointers, which were groups of
dogs used at that time for sport. The name takes after the
Westminster Hotel, a now out-of-commission hotel in
Manhattan. This place was a common hangout for sportsmen, meeting up there regularly as
it was a favorite bar of theirs. After this, they created a kennel for holding their dogs, as well
as a trainer to look over them. Thus became the Westminster Kennel Club. In its first year,
they saw an entry of 1,201 dogs. To accommodate these numbers, it was held at Gilmore’s
Garden in Manhattan.1 This would eventually become Madison Square Garden, the setting
for the Show to this day.2
Celebrity attendees
In its early years, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show saw
some famous names pop up in the competition. This includes
royalty, such as the Queen of England, entering Deerhounds,
the Czar of Russia with a Siberian Wolfhound, and the Emperor
of Germany, entering his Russian Wolfhound. J. P. Morgan was
a regular attendee, entering many border collies throughout his
life.3 Morgan is known for having spent millions on Border Collies,
infatuated with the competition. He was even the face of tragedy
in the Show’s early years as, in 1895, one of his dogs drowned, the
trainer calling it “a clear case of suicide” to the New York Times.4
Dog Show Terminology (From the Westminster Kennel Club Website)
Variety: A division of a breed based on coat, color, and size. For example, Poodles (size:
Standard, Miniature, Toy), Cocker Spaniels (color: Black, Parti-Color, Any Solid Color Other
Than Black [ASCOB]), Collies (coat: Rough, Smooth).
Breeder: The owner of the dam (mother) when she was bred to produce.
Breeder-Owner-Handler: Someone who breeds, owns, and handles the dog.
Owner-Handler: Someone who handles the dog that they also own.
Judge: Someone licensed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) to judge dogs.
Breeder-Judge: Someone licensed by the AKC to judge dogs of a specific breed.
1 https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/about-sensation/history
2 http://mentalfloss.com/article/75307/15-well-groomed-facts-about-westminster-dog-show
3 https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/about-sensation/history
4 http://mentalfloss.com/article/75307/15-well-groomed-facts-about-westminster-dog-show
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 2All Rounder Judge: Someone licensed by the AKC to judge every breed.
Professional Handler: Someone who handles a dog for a fee.
Conformation: The structure and physical characteristics of a dog.
Stack: The pose itself by a dog or the posing of the dog by a handler in its natural stance.
Gait: The action of movement of the dog. Generally speaking, a sound and balanced gait
usually indicates proper conformation and structure.
Breed Type: The manifestation of those unique traits and characteristics of a dog that
distinguish it as that particular breed.5
The Dog Show
To understand the layout of events, this is the “Westminster Week” of 2019, outlining the
schedule that each competition will follow for the Dog Show. This is the strict schedule that
must be stuck to, permitting all finalizing plans to be concluded in due time.
Westminster Week 2019 *All times EST6
6th Annual Masters Agility Championship / Saturday, February 9
• Agility Preliminaries (8 am – 4 pm)
• Agility Finals (7 pm – 9 pm)
10th Annual AKC Meet the Breeds® / Saturday, February 9 (10 am - 5 pm)
143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show / Monday, February 11 &
Tuesday, February 12
• Monday, February 11, 2019
-- Daytime Session (8 am – 4:30 pm)
-- Breed Judging across Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups
-- Junior Showmanship preliminaries
-- Dog Show 101 (12pm- 1pm)
-- Pier 94, Ring 10
-- Evening Session (7:30 pm – 11:30 pm) Doors open at 6 pm for Best of Breed benching
area
-- Group Judging across Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding groups (begins at 7:30
pm)
• Tuesday, February 12, 2019
-- Daytime Session (8 am – 4:30 pm)
-- Breed Judging across Sporting, Working and Terrier groups
-- Junior Showmanship preliminaries
-- Dog Show 101 Presentation (12pm- 1pm)
-- Pier 94, Ring 10
-- Evening Session (7 pm – 11:30 pm) Doors open at 6 pm for Best of Breed benching area
-- Junior Showmanship Finals (begins at 7:00 pm)
-- Group Judging across Sporting, Working and Terrier groups (begins at 7:30 pm)
-- Best in Show
4th Annual Masters Obedience Championship / Monday, February 11
• Daytime Session (8 am – 4:30 pm)
5 https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/dog-show-101
6 https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/plan-your-visit/general-info
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 3Finding the best of a breed is no walk in the park.
Also known as conformation shows, dog shows
are intended to choose the best dog for breeding
intentions, searching for a breed with the best genetics
for creating litters. After qualifying for Westminster,
based on the points they earn from other dog shows,
they are put into a series of trials. At first, they are
separated by gender, breed, and “class.” The three
classes are as follows: Bred by Exhibitor, American-
Bred, and Open. Then, there is a “Winners Dog” and
“Winners Bitch” competition from the three class winners of each breed. From there, there is
an additional competition, the “Best of Breeds” class. Only the Best of Breed winner advances
into the televised dog show. There are three awards to be won from this:
• Best of Winners, the best of the Winners Dog and Winners Bitch,
• Best of Breed, the best of that dog’s breed,
• Best of Sex, the dog of the opposite sex to the Best of Breed winner7
Once the Best of Breed is chosen for each class, the dogs are split into seven categories that
separate the over 190 registered breeds.8 These categories are Sporting, Hound, Working,
Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding. From there, they compete for the judges’ heart,
and one is chosen from each category to compete for the much coveted Best in Show.9
There are ideals and standards that the judges are
given in order to choose the best dog. There are
national clubs for every breed, and they are the ones
who set these standards. There are physical traits that
distinguish what the best of the breed is, whether that
be for hunting, retrieving, etc. This can be anything
from ear shape to tail length. In addition, they are
looking for a healthy dog. Lastly, they look at the
temperament of the dog and how obedient they are
to their trainer.
Westminster is what is referred to as a benched show. This purpose of this type of show is to
be able to see behind the curtain and allow spectators to interact with owners and their dogs,
and to ask questions and learn more about the breed. This is used for both learning, garnering
a large crowd of children, and for fans who want to meet the dogs before their events. A room
is dedicated to this, lining up all of the dogs on tables to be interacted with. This tradition is
continued to this day, being one of very few nationally to continue this for its fans.10
The Westminster Kennel Club (Westminster) holds an iconic logo, a golden and white pointer.
7 https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/dog-show-101
8 http://nds.nationaldogshow.com/event-info-groups.php
9 https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/dog-show-101
10 Ibid.
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 4This ties back to the sources of both the Westminster and the AKC, the American Kennel
Club. One of the club’s earliest officials, George deForest Grant, received a photo of a pointer
named Don. The pointer was accomplished, and they were highly impressed by him, so they
sent for him to be imported from his home in England. Here, he was renamed “Sensation.”
They wanted him for breeding reasons, and he became the first volume in the stud book,
made by the AKC. He became the official standard for pointers, as well as an icon that stuck.
In 1935, Harry D. Kirkover made an engraving of Sensation. He permitted Westminster’s
reproduction of the icon, sticking as the Westminster Kennel Club emblem into the present
day.
The Grand Prize
In 1907, the popularized Best in Show award was introduced.
Since the founding of this award, the Westminster Dog Show
has only seen one dog win three times. This triple win occurred
in the first three years of this award’s existence, achieved by
a dog named “Ch. Warren Remedy,” a Smooth Fox Terrier.
However, the Best in Show has been won twice a total of six
times throughout its history.11
In its early years, the award was more centered around what
would appeal to sportsmen. However, with the growth of fame the Show has received, it
steered less away from the air of hunting. Now, it is a cause for celebration all across New
York, with many famous businesses pitching in for the great event.
This award has since been associated with the
highest prestige, as it is every dog trainer’s
ultimate goal. Sardi’s, a popular 4-star restaurant
in the Theater District of Manhattan, offers a
meal to the winning dog, an exciting celebration
that is greatly attended to congratulate this pup
with their choice of chicken or steak.12
11 https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/about-sensation/history
12 https://abc3340.com/news/nation-world/live-westminster-best-in-show-visits-sardis-in-ny-for-cele-
bratory-meal
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 5The winner of Best in Show receives an extravagant, polished
pewter trophy; a larger than life purple and gold rosette;
and a hand-engraved Steuben crystal bowl, called the
Westminster Legend Trophy. There are additional awards
to be won if the dog is American. If a dog is American bred,
they receive the James Mortimer Memorial Cup, a sterling
silver trophy that is commemorated by a pewter picture
frame. Additionally, there is the Perpetual Sterling Silver
Challenge Cup, commemorated by a polished pewter trophy.
In addition to the coveted Best in Show, there are many other
prizes that can be obtained during the famous weekend.
As previously mentioned, there are seven categories that
compete for the Best in Show. If you are the lucky winner of one of these, there are polished
pewter trophies awarded, as well as personalized awards based on the category, such as the
Pouch Cove Working Group Trophy and the Strathglass Trophy. They are all offered up in
honor of a person who achieved great things in their respective categories.13
In addition, there is a certain level of fame that comes with being the most prestigious dog in
the country. There are many offers that naturally come up. Jennifer Calfas stated in an article
for Money, “Flynn, the Bichon Frise who won in 2018, has since been spotted on New York
Fashion Week runways, on stage on Broadway’s Kinky Boots, and at the New York Stock
Exchange.”14 However, there is no official monetary prize for winning the Best in Show.
Madison Square Garden
As previously mentioned, since its induction, the
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has been held
at the same location. 143 years ago, this place was
referred to as Gilmore’s Garden, leased to Patrick
S. Gilmore. It was an open-air arena used to hold
events such as flower shows, concerts, and the first
Westminster Dog Show. On May 31st, 1879, it was
changed to Madison Square Garden when William
Vanderbilt, on behalf of the New York Central Railroad, renamed it and took over the
Garden.15 However, the open-air garden soon proved hard to host events, as it was difficult to
deal with unpredictable weather. The first Garden lasted until 1889 when it was demolished
to be rebuilt.16
Madison Square Garden II opened on this same site in 1890. As stated on the New York
Rangers’ site, “It contained an 8,000-seat main arena, 1,500-seat concert hall and 1,200-
13 https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/about-sensation/awards
14 http://money.com/money/5635130/2019-westminster-dog-show-winner-paid/
15 http://www.oldnytours.com/on-this-day-in-old-new-york/gilmores-garden-becomes-madi-
son-square-garden
16 https://www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com/our-company/history/
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 6seat theater and the world’s largest indoor swimming pool. The Spanish Renaissance-style
structure was topped by its most famous feature: a 32-story tower and roof garden atop which
stood Augustus Saint-Gauden’s gold statue of Diana, Goddess of the Hunt.”17 The architect
who constructed it actually died on the site, killed by millionaire Harry Thaw as an act of
passion, as he was having an affair with Thaw’s wife. The second Garden held many sporting
events, including horse races, bicycling, and still, the Westminster Dog Show. It closed on
May 5th, 1925, the ring announcer stating, “Farewell to thee, o sweet Miss Diana ….” That
ended Madison Square Garden’s reign on this plot, as it was taken over by the New York Life
building.18
The third Madison Square Garden, also referred to as the Old Garden, resulted in a boom of
fame that led to it being deemed the “Most Famous Arena in the World.” It opened with a
six-day bicycle race on November 24, 1925. Not only did it hold some of the biggest sporting
events, most notably hockey, basketball, and boxing, but it also became the host of major
entertainment. It held circuses from Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey. An iconic moment
in history was the 1962 birthday party of then-president John F. Kennedy, known for Marilyn
Monroe’s performance of “Happy Birthday.” This venue served as the inspiration for the film
“Madison Square Garden.”
The fourth, and current, Garden was built at a
new location on 33rd Street in 1968. To ring in its
opening, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby hosted “The
Night of the Century,” a dedication to the United
Service Organizations. Also within the first week,
the New York Rangers played their first game at
the Garden, an arena that is still the home to the
team. In 2013, there were some renovations made
to Madison Square Garden IV, enhancing it to the model that we see to this day.19 There are
many popular events today that attract people to the Garden besides the Westminster Dog
Show. As far as sports, it is home to the hockey team the New York Rangers and the basketball
team the New York Knicks, as well as utilized for famous college events such as the “Red
Hot Hockey” Cornell vs. Boston University hockey game.
It brings fans from all over by hosting many professional
wrestling events from the MMA, the AAA, and more. In the
summer of 2019, Billy Joel will have had his 110th Madison
Square Garden show, his first being in 1978. This show will
celebrate his 70th birthday, a tradition that has been upheld
at Madison Square Garden since 2014.20
17 https://www.nhl.com/rangers/team/history-of-madison-square-garden
18 Ibid.
19 Ibid.
20 https://blog.msg.com/2019/05/09/for-the-longest-time-an-msg-birthday-celebration-for-billy-joel-
and-his-fans/?icmp=int-msg_blog_msg_vlp_BillyJoel190509
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 7The Madison Square Garden company has expanded
into an empire around New York City. Besides its main
location, the company owns Radio City Music Hall,
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, and the
Beacon Theater in Manhattan, with additional property
in Inglewood, California, and Chicago, Illinois.21
Scoring a booking at a Madison Square Garden venue
is an incredibly exclusive honor, making this business
connection vital to what gives the Westminster Dog
Show the prestigious name it has today.
Throughout four locations, countless revisions, and a major rise in fame, Madison Square
Garden has only had one tenant throughout its entire history. Westminster has been
consistently associated with the building(s), following it to its prime. Now, the Garden is
referred to as the World’s Most Famous Arena and serves as the host for the 144th Westminster
Dog Show.22
Scandals
The manner of the Dog Shows and those who compete
is intense to say the least. Trainers and owners spend
millions yearly to put on the show and earn its level of
prestige. With that dedication comes a level of fierce
competition, which can sometimes manifest itself in
the dark side of the competition world. There are a
variety of reasons as to why the Westminster Kennel
Club Dog Show has bred some conflict in the past.
Because the basis of the Westminster Dog Show lays in finding the “best of their breed,”
there is some resentment towards what that entails. Pure breeding dogs has been discovered
to have some health defects. To achieve a dog of a single breed, it is necessary to take dogs
from the same gene pool in order to accomplish this. In order
to participate in the Westminster Dog Show, a dog must prove
its purebred lineage by being registered with the AKC This
further limits their genetic variety. This holds the potential for
a plethora of health issues, such as cancer, bone disorders, and
neurological disorders such as epilepsy. There are health tests
that breeders run through their dogs when they are breeding;
however, as time progresses, the gene pools have only gotten
smaller, making health issues harder to avoid.23
PETA:
The biggest protests of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog
21 https://www.msg.com/calendar?location=New%20York
22 https://www.msg.com/madison-square-garden/history
23 https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_dg_purebred_dogs_complications
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 8Show comes from PETA, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA commonly,
through blog posts and social media, express their disdain for the event. In an article titled,
“10 Things That Happen at Westminster Dog Show That Are Just Plain Wrong,” they include
images of dogs getting powdered and flat ironed, stating the grooming styles are absurd.24
To take it even further, PETA Prime published an article calling breeders and those involved
in the Westminster Dog Show supremacists. They call out the potential health risks that
come with breeding and accuse breeders of not caring for their dogs’ well being. They blame
the Westminster Kennel Club for breeding issues, such as breathing problems in Pugs and
hearing issues in Dalmatians.25
In addition to internet complaints, PETA
has made several in-person protests at the
Westminster Dog Show. In 2009, members of
PETA stood outside the 133rd Westminster Dog
Show dressed as Klu Klux Klan members, to
further insist on the supremacy premise. They
handed out brochures stating, “The KKK and
the AKC: BFFs?” An excerpt from this brochure
is as follows: “Like the Klan, dog breeders who
subscribe to the AKC standards are all about the
sanctity of ‘pure bloodlines.’ So what if beagles
have epileptic seizures, Dalmatians are deaf, and pugs can barely breathe because of how
they are purposely bred to look a certain way? Looks are everything!” This protest caused
quite a stir, having many bystanders believe them to be the actual KKK, and others disgusted
by the comparisons being made.26
In addition, PETA has made cries to the USA network to not air the Westminster Dog Show.
Using the 2008 winner, a beagle named Uno as an example, they pointed out genetic defects
that he may develop throughout his life. They accused
the USA network of moral bankruptcy if they were to
air this, and requested reruns of Law and Order in its
place.27
The owner of Uno spoke out against this in a response
to the LA times’ article about the request to the USA
network. She remarked by stating breeders, like
herself, screen for genetic defects before breeding
dogs. She also brought attention to the AKC’s Canine
Health Foundation, a group whose purpose is to do
research on such genetic disorders in order to discover cures. She claimed issues such as
24 https://www.peta.org/features/westminster-dog-show-abuse/
25 https://prime.peta.org/2019/02/the-westminster-kennel-club-and-dog-breeders-are-supremacists
26 https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/02/peta-protests-w.html
27 https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/01/peta-to-usa-net.html
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 9squished noses were breed traits, not on the fault of breeders, but traits that are natural to
such dogs, similar to children born with allergies. She additionally remarked that the Beagles
she breeds become therapy dogs with the Delta Society after they retire from being shown,
working at places such as the Ronald McDonald House and Walter Reed Hospital rather than
ending up in a shelter thrown away as PETA had accused AKC breeders of doing. She was
appalled at the accusation of not caring for her dogs, stating she is dedicated to giving all of
her dogs the best quality of life.28
Although outrageous, the comments by PETA have made certain strides in the dog breeding
industry. The Kennel Club in England responded to the complaints about the effect breeding
has on nasal issues by rewriting the standards for the Pekingese dog. In a statement the
Kennel Club announced, “This is set to radically improve the health of the Pekingese, which
for nearly a hundred years was bred to have a flat face; a feature which can lead to breathing
problems; under the new health plan the breed will be required to have a defined muzzle.”29
It will be no surprise to see an appearance by PETA in some form at this upcoming Westminster
Dog Show. To fight the recent year’s critiques, the 2020 Westminster Dog Show will be
expected to have precautions in measure to ensure they do not disrupt the flow of the show,
while also keeping in mind their legal rights to protest to a
certain extent.
A Response
While there have been responses by groomers and owners
to the issues brought about by PETA, as shown above
with Uno the Beagle, Westminster has yet to make an
official response to these claims. That said, Westminster
continues to make statements regarding their personal
concern for dogs in need through the money they give with
“Westminster Cares.” Westminster designates portions of
their funds to several charities and associations to help both
dogs and people in need. It started in 1887 when, seeing
that the Show was so popular, it was extended a day and the funds made were donated to the
ASPCA. This money was spent to establish a home for stray and disabled dogs and created
a lasting connection with the New York Institution for the humane treatment of animals.30
Westminster’s other charitable giving has
included organizations that provide disaster
relief for companion animals in the wake of
natural disasters, including the AKC Companion
Animal Recovery, AKC Humane Fund, AKC
Reunite, ASPCA and the Humane Society of the
United States. Westminster supports the health
28 https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2009/01/westminster-pet.html
29 https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2008/10/bc-eu--britain.html
30 https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/about-sensation/westminster-charities/westminster-charities
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 10of dogs and, through its donations to the AKC Canine Health Foundation, the club has helped
fund canine health research. Donations to other organizations such as the Animal Medical
Center and the California Dog Owners Coalition also led to strides in canine health.31
As of 2018, the club began donating annually to three AKC-recognized National Breed Clubs
to support their dog breed rescue activities. These annual Westminster Gives Back Award
donations assist clubs in offsetting rescue expenses such as transportation, veterinary care,
feeding, boarding, grooming, and training. In 2018, the National Breed Club recipients were
the Bearded Collie Club of America, English Cocker Spaniel Club of America, and Great
Pyrenees Club of America. The 2019 club recipients will be the Bull Terrier Club of America,
National Brussels Griffon Rescue, Inc., and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Club (USA).32
Westminster additionally teams with its sponsor Purina in support of the brand’s charities,
Rally to Rescue, Pets for People, and One Hope Alliance, to help shelter dogs and breed
rescues across the country. Over the years, Westminster has helped to raise millions of dollars
for rescue programs and shelters to help dogs in need as well as donations to breed-specific
organizations such as Greyhound Rescue.”33
These efforts, in addition to many funds towards training service dogs in therapy, sight
services, and rescuing, the pawprint made by Westminster through the “Westminster Cares”
association is felt greatly by those who need support the most.
Sponsorships
In order to ensure the grandeur of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Westminster
ensures it has great connections with several sponsors to help not only run the show, but afford
the scholarship prize for the Junior Showmanship award. The 2018 Presenting sponsorship,
as well as Westminster’s largest backer for the event, is Purina Pro Plan. Purina Pro Plan has
been Westminster’s sponsor for 10 of the last 11 Westminster Dog Shows, providing monetary
sponsorship and food for every dog competing. The food claims to help with both skin and
coat health, ensuring the dogs are in their prime condition for competition and encouraging
fans of the Show to do the same for their own dogs.
In addition to Purina Pro Plan, the official sponsors for the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club
Dog Show include:
• Cosequin, a joint-health supplement recommended by veterinarians
• Embark, a dog DNA test looking at over 250 breeds and more than 175 genetic health
conditions and traits
• LifeProof with PetProof Technology Carpet, a carpet carried at Home Depot designed
specifically for dog accidents
• Merck Animal Health, an animal biopharmaceutical company
• Trupanion, the leader in medical insurance for cats and dogs throughout the United States
and Canada
31 https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/about-sensation/westminster-charities/westminster-charities
32 Ibid.
33 Ibid.
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 11There are also event sponsors, which include:
• FS1
• Fox
• Nat Geo Wild
• Empire State Building Lighting Partner
• NY Waterway
• The World Trade Center
• Dog News Magazine
• The American Heart Association
• Cornell University Veterinary Medicine34
It is tremendously expensive to run a show on such a large scale. Therefore, there are many
sponsors that go into making it happen, and Westminster is always looking for more, leaving
a spot on their website to become a sponsor. Companies can naturally be expected to drop or
increase their involvement, and Westminster must be prepared to handle this ebb and flow
for the 2020 Westminster Dog Show.
34 https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/sponsorship-information
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 12Positions:
Chief of Staff: David A. Helming
David A. Helming coordinates all staff members, as he is a member of the “Westminster
Kennel Club Team.” His job is to carry out the needs of the President and the Show itself by
delegating duties onto various staff members. In addition, he is to provide accommodations
such as food and supplies to his fellow members. It is his job to ensure all other jobs are
working at peak performance.
Director of Operations: Florence Foti
The job of the Director of Operations is to ensure all components of the Westminster Dog
Show are running smoothly and safely. Foti is responsible for monitoring the events of the
weekend, and, when the need arises, handling damage control. In addition, she works with
employees of Madison Square Garden to handle the setting up of the event and ensures the
Show is properly organized to display the perfect representation of the Westminster Kennel
Club.
Director of Companion Events: Paul Campanella
Paul Campanella has spent months traveling in preparation for the Westminster Dog
Show, attending local minor events to perfect the master level of competition that is
held at Westminster. He is an expert on all events dealing with companionship which, at
Westminster, are agility and obedience, but can also include tracking and rallying elsewhere.
He is responsible for maintaining the masters standards at the Dog Show and helping ensure
that trainers and dogs receive their best experience.
Director of Communications: Gail Miller Bisher
Gail Miller Bisher is the line of communications between Westminster and all those outside
of it. She has a history of archival work for the Westminster Kennel Club, working as an
Assistant of Communications prior to her Directorship. She educates on the health of dogs
through her “Superfit Fido Club” to decrease animal obesity as a trainer and she used to
be a professional handler, as well as a Junior Showmanship judge. Being experienced in
such events, she utilizes her well rounded knowledge of Westminster and its events to gain
publicity for the Show as well as communicating with potential and current sponsors.
Director of Marketing: Kelly Morra
Kelly Morra makes access to the Westminster Kennel Club as convenient as possible for
its loyal fans and participants. She initiated the “Westminster Dog Show” app, providing
information on breeds, judges, and maps of the events. She analyzes the need for the spread
of different information and finds paths of communication to bridge the gap between the Dog
Show and its associates. She works closely with the Manager of Digital Media to bring these
ideas to life through social media and other electronic communications.
Manager of Digital Media: Anna Gracie
The Manager of Digital Media keeps all forms of social media and email correspondence
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 13consistently updated. Gracie keeps fans enthralled by sharing her vast knowledge of each
breed on instagram as well as a series called “RTW: For the Love of Dogs,” which takes a look
and the owner’s side of their relationship with their dog. She is the middle man between the
Dog Show and it hundreds of thousands of fans, keeping them updated all year leading up to
the Westminster Dog Show.
Vice President: Harvey M. Wooding
Harvey M. Wooding has served as a director at the AKC since March of 2013. As Vice President,
he is the closest relationship to the President, Charlton Reynders, III. He is the next in line,
serving as the leadership position in events where the President is unavailable. Wooding
maintains higher up business relations, analyzes strategies for the Dog Show, and keeps in
contact with all departments to ensure everything is running perfectly.
Secretary: William M. Jackson
The secretary answers to the president, taking note of all issues that need to be handled.
Jackson represents the President and Club as a whole in business calls and necessary
paperwork. He handles the legal end of the Westminster Dog Show relations and advises the
President on moves to make regarding venues and other such decisions.
Treasurer: Johnston L. Evans
The Treasurer handles all monetary workings to make the Westminster Dog Show possible.
Evans handles sponsorship funding and organize the Junior Showmanship Scholarship.
Additionally, he works out prices with Madison Square Garden and all other necessary
purchases to help guests of the Show, which includes the needs of all of the competing dogs.
Delegate to the AKC: David W. Haddock
David W. Haddock provides an essential insight into the close relationship between the
Westminster Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club. The two work well together in
preparation for the Show, as all dogs competing have to be AKC certified, so it is vital to keep
the connection between the two clubs strong. Haddock is responsible with ensuring that
breed registrations for those competing are valid for entry. Many of the officers and members
of the Westminster team have a history with the AKC through directorships. In addition, the
AKC and WKC have a relationship with The International Cat Association (TICA), pairing up
during the “Meet the Breeds” portion of the Westminster Dog Show.
Chief Steward: Benjamin Saunders
The Chief Steward is responsible for all inventory management. Seeing that the Show deals
with animals, it is vital to properly stock food, shampoo, and all other materials owners
might need for the proper health of their dog. Saunders additionally has a role in budget
management, organizing the numbers that need to be ordered for the amount of guests that
are expected. There are many chief stewards that come together to efficiently run the Show
all weekend, and Saunders is credited as the first in line of the 10 stewards.
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 14Executive Director, Merck Animal Health: Ricardo Mattos
Merck Animal Health is a biopharmaceutical company that provides health benefits to pet
owners. As the Executive Director, Ricard Mattos handles the global business development
of Merck Animal Health. This includes their longtime partnership with the Westminster
Kennel Club. As a major sponsor, Merck provides much of the essential funding necessary to
the Show, which includes monetary donations and benefits to contestants.
Executive Vice President, FOX: Jeff A. Taylor
The Westminster Dog Show airs in partnership with FOX News, shown on both FOX and FS1
(FOX Sports). Although the Dog Show has bounced around platforms, including USA and
NBC, in 2017 FOX acquired a 10 year deal with the Dog Show. For the past few years, they
jointly covered the event with Nat Geo Wild. In 2020, this partnership is rumored to change
due to Nat Geo Wild’s move to be a part of the Walt Disney Company. As Executive Vice
President, Jeff A. Taylor is in charge of content production and the compliance of partners
across all FOX platforms. Additionally, he deals with all litigation issues that may arise
regarding the FOX platforms.
Representative of the Board of Governors: Dorothy N. Collier
Dorothy N. Collier serves as one of the two representatives from the 12 person Board of
Governors. Many of them have smaller positions in other sectors as well, and Collier
additionally serves as a Chief Steward. She holds power in multiple sectors and has previously
served as a judge for past Dog Shows and is a founding member of the non-profit “Take the
Lead organization.” Collier is tasked with speaking on behalf of the governors not able to be
in attendance. The Governors are those with a rich history within the Westminster Kennel
Club, providing insight into keeping up traditions and image on a large scale.
Agility Chairman: Darrell W. Crate
The Agility competition judges a dog’s athleticism and abilities to follow their trainer’s
direction. Darrell W. Crate, as the Agility Chairman, is responsible for ensuring all agility
events throughout the weekend run smoothly. In addition, it is his job to prepare for the
competition, ensuring the obstacles are at the masters level yet are still practical.
Obedience Chairman- Fred Ford
The Obedience competition tests a dog’s training ability on how well they follow the commands
of their trainer. The Chairman’s job is to oversee this event throughout the weekend, ensuring
the commands are advanced and all the Obedience competitions are organized and effective.
Junior Showmanship Finals Judge: Angela Lloyd
Although the Best in Show competition is the main event associated with Westminster, there is
an important Junior Showmanship competition that happens as well, with minors competing
for school scholarships instead of a cash prize. This event relies heavily on sponsors, as that is
where much of the scholarship money is acquired. Lloyd works with high-schoolers to judge
not their pets, but their ability to be an effective trainer and to command their dogs.
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
Page 15Best in Show Head Judge: Peter J. Green
The Head Judge, Peter J. Green, oversees all judging of the confirmation events, which is what
leads to finding a Best in Show winner. He was involved in a scandal in the past year, as his
partner co-owned one of the dogs competing, eliminating it from the entire competition. He
searches for the best qualities of specific breeds to find the perfect representation of each breed.
Executive Administrative Assistant of Public Relations: Cheryl Lee
Nestle Purina Pro Plan has served as the sponsor for the Westminster Dog Show for 10 of the
past 11 years. They provide food for the dogs throughout the event as well as advertisements
across the venue, so that their association is evident to anyone watching the Show. Nestle is
responsible for the nutrition of hundreds of dogs and providing money to support this event,
proving to be an indispensable partner to the WKC. Cheryl Lee, as a member of the WKC, holds
the responsibility as the face of Westminster to Nestle Purina.
Vice President of Marquee Events and Operations: Joel Fisher
Being a representative from Madison Square Garden, Joel Fisher serves as the voice of the venue.
Madison Square Garden hosts hundreds of events each year, so it is essential to be efficient and
thorough with the operation of all of them. This ensures a good image for the Garden as well as
a good relationship with the WKC, their longest running partner.
The Executive Board for the Westminster Dog Show
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