Helpful Hints for Attending Westminster Dog Show
Courtesy of ThePoop.com
Anyone who has attended the WKC can tell you that it is a unique experience. Provided below are helpful hints on what to do and where to go to get the fullest experience of attending the show.
Parking: Be prepared to spend a minimum of $30.00 on parking for each day. There are numerous parking lots (attended) surrounding Madison Square Garden (31st St. & 8th Ave). Try to park at a garage that has valet attendants who can retrieve your car quickly if you have to leave in a hurry.
Arriving: Admission as a spectator for the show begins roughly around 8:30 am. It is wise to arrive early since lines form quickly. If you are arriving after 10:00 am, you can expect up to a half-hour wait just to get into the garden. Your bags will be looked through by security.
Seating: Every ticket allows each person a "seat" in the garden. Mind you, the garden has thousands of seats, like any other sporting arena. There is very limited seating ringside. If you wish to sit ringside to watch a particular breed in the ring.... get there early!!!. The seats in the grandstands are always available, just be sure to bring a pair of binoculars.
Watching: Judging takes place on the main floor grounds. Moving about to watch the activity is a skill. Imagine the worst traffic jam you have ever been in... now change the cars to people. Traveling from one end of the garden to the other could take a half-hour. Please look back at some of ThePoop.com's previous coverage of WKC to look at pictures and how the layout works. Sometimes the best watching can be done at night, when they decide which dog is Best in Group. People usually go home to watch on TV.
Seeing the dogs up close: The WKC is one of only two BENCHED shows on the East Coast that exist in America today. Benching means that when the dog is NOT in the show ring, it has its own area, which it must be kept in for the entire length of the day's showing. This gives people a chance to converse with the dog's owner, handler or breeder. The dogs don't seem to mind much, just remember to ALWAYS ask the attendant of the dog if you can touch or pet the dog. This is not the place for small children to be wandering around unattended. Usually the exhibitors are willing to talk at length about their dogs. You can ask them for business cards or information about their respective kennels. It is a great place to "shop for a dog" by talking to experienced breeders.
Food/Eating: There are lots of "fast food" type stations all over the garden. The food tends to be hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza (standard dog show fair).
Shopping: There is a section of the garden floor, which is roped off for shopping and corporate exhibitors. You can find anything from dog coats, antique canine porcelains, magazines or dog food. This area gets very crowded...and hot!
How to dress: You will see every type of dress imaginable...from tuxedos and ball gowns to sweatpants and jeans. The key here is to be comfortable. Definitely check your coat upon entering the garden. It gets VERY hot on the floor and you don't want to lug around a winter coat through all of this human traffic. Remember that there is a lot of media coverage going on. The television stations love to interview people...so if you are a "media hound" dress for success on getting on TV. ThePoop.com's correspondents will be on the floor interviewing people as we have done the past eight years...so be on the lookout for us! Also be prepared to see celebrities who are dog fanciers. ThePoop.com has hooked up with Joan Rivers, Greg Louganis, Joe Garagiola, Martha Stewart and Bill Cosby!
We look forward to seeing you at the show!
I'm 13 yrs. old. I love to watch dog shows. I currently show our 3yr. old Collie (eddie,who is a girl)at ourcounty youth fair. How do i start in Jrs.? Ilove this site.
Posted by: Katie O | January 29, 2006 at 03:04 PM
Hi Katie - you'll enjoy the information in "Junior Showmanship" - posted at this link: http://www.petville.com/pet_community/2006/01/junior_showmans.html
Posted by: petville | January 30, 2006 at 11:35 AM
Can I bring my pet Boston Terrier as a spectator to the Westminster dog show?
Posted by: Jordan | February 11, 2007 at 02:09 PM
Jordan - sorry to say there's no "spectator" dogs allowed. Only show dogs for this event.
Posted by: petville | February 11, 2007 at 06:07 PM
I run a dog breed gift website. Should I try and hand out cards or is that uncouth in this atmosphere?
Posted by: Mike | March 23, 2008 at 07:57 PM