How Your Dog Can Qualify for the Westminster Dog Show

The annual Westminster Dog Show is the Super Bowl for four-legged pets. Judges critique and give out awards, the biggest being "Best in Show." Winning any award in this competition puts a dog into an elite class. So how do the canine participants qualify for the competition?

The first and possibly most important step is to register your dog with the American Kennel Club. This gets you into the group and makes you eligible for competitions.

All dogs must also meet be at least 6 months or older, be a breed which is available for the show, and meet all specified qualifications by breed category. Joining a local kennel club would get you started on learning more about the world of dog shows. There you will learn all about training and be on your way to the Westminster Dog Show. For a full list by state visit the American Kennel Club Directory.

There are two primary ways you to qualify for the actual Westminster Dog Show in New York. You can either be invited or enter as a non-invitee.

Invited Champions

The surest way to qualify for the Westminster Dog Show is to get a direct invite. Champions from previous competitions will already have the credentials and are likely to have the doors opened for them. These champions are the top five in each breed/variety from shows held exclusively by the American Kennel Club. These competitions could be considered a qualifying round. All invited dogs are posted by the Westminster Kennel Club and Info Dog. Dogs who have won Best of Breed are also available to receive invitations to the show. Winning one of these contests prior to the Westminster Dog Show will go a long way to your dog becoming "Best in Show."

Non-Invites

For dogs not given a formal invite there is still a way to get into the competition in the Best of Breed contest. Dogs following this route will need to have achieved their champion status before entering the Westminster Dog Show. The name of the show and the date will need to be listed on the entry form as proof your dog is ready for the big competition.

Other non-invites eligible to enter are for the Bred by Exhibitor, American Bred, and other open categories. All dogs entering for these categories must have a 3-point, 4-point, or 5-point major award prior to entering the Westminster Dog Show. As is the case for Best of Breed, the name of the show and date must be listed on the entry form.

Entries are limited to 3,200 dogs and they must meet all qualifications dependent on breed.