2015 Westminster Dog Show

[OldDog]

Originally Posted by GenuineRisk

How is it political? I'm not challenging; my knowledge of the world of dog shows is limited to Albert Payson Terhune books I read when I was ten. Just curious.

Often the prizes are awarded not to the best dog (the dog who most conforms to the breed standard) but to the most well connected handler and/or the most well known breeder. Or it could be to an old breeder who has been in the business for years without a Westminster BIS and who has announced his/her impending retirement. I've seen it happen, and sometimes it was glaringly obvious. It's the same as any subjectively judged sport. And I don't mean to impugn all judges, but it does happen.
http://dogtipsandtales.blogspot.com/...-politics.html