[lisaly]

Originally Posted by gemy

So excited to watch Westminster tonight. I hope some folks from YT will be on to cheer all the dedicated folks that make this very special dog show happen.


After the breed wins - all dogs go back to their benches and handlers/owners and or breeders must sit until they are released. Group Judging is all the way back to midtown - at Madison Square Gardens.


For the group winners of yesterday - final grooming will be going on very shortly. Grooming time must be pre-booked for the grooming room(s).


For the breed winners of today; that will compete in tonights Group competition and the Group#1 will stay on for Best in Show competition. Most of the coated breeds will get feed and exercised now (once their breed competitions are finished) then, final grooming for breed winners will start. And then they have to make their way over to Madison Square Gardens.


For our Black Russians a coated breed, that means decision(s) will be made to do mini wash of either 4 legs and beard - or 2 legs n beard, or no beard just a leg or 2 or 3 or 4, then blow dry out etc.
Show days and most especially for premiere events, it is one long haul for the handlers and groomers. But there is a rapport for the exhibitors, grooming tools can be shared, grooming lines intensely discussed based on what has shown up on movement. The scissors come out and maybe the clippers to fine tune (yet again). Excitement builds, that is tempered with the needs of your dog. Some dogs do very well with the increase in atmosphere, smells, sounds, their owners' excitement. Some dogs not so much.


This is a pinnacle, this is what your hundreds of hours of training in many disciplines, your investment of time n energy and of course money has been for. To give your dog the best chance to win in the Group. And before that to give your dog the best chance to win in the Breed.


A beauty show? Hardly. To my mind it is more akin to an athletic event, where physical training, nutrition, guided competition,mental training needs to placed in the outer packet of a gleaming breed appropriate coat.


I do so wish I had gone this year - but maybe next year with Dara:
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I've watched Westminster with great interest for many years, and I've always found seeing all of the different breeds to be very fascinating. I watch now with a much greater appreciation and understanding as I learn more about the show world. Thank you for your insightful post. I hope your Dara is everything you have dreamed of.