Dog lovers descended on Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City today to participate in the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
The event is organized by the Westminster Kennel Club, which is America’s oldest organization dedicated to dog sports, founded in 1877.
According to the organization, the show is the “second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S., and the longest nationally televised live dog show since 1948.”
About 3,000 dogs from across the United States are expected to attend Westminster Week. Many will be benched (displayed on benches for the public to see) by their proud human companions.
The event allows purebred dogs to compete in the annual dog show, with dogs from all backgrounds eligible to compete in the Masters Agility Championship and Masters Obedience Championship.
A Chinese Crested puppy looks tired and yawns while being held in the judging room at the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
A Chihuahua is held in a pose in the judging room during the event, which has been going on for over a century
RUFF LIFE: This bulldog looks exhausted as he gets rubbed with a towel in the show crate
The pooch certainly seems to have a lot of personality, judging by that extremely characterful face!
Meanwhile, a King Charles Cavalier also poses for a close-up photo in the dog show crate
When exhibited in the crate, this King Charles Cavalier appears wet, perhaps after being washed before competing
Another dog breed is crated: this time, a Basset Hound looks patient while on display
A Coton de Tulear shows off a pristine long white coat during the annual event at Arthur Ashe Stadium
PREPARATION FOR THE SHOW: A woman grooms a Coton de Tulear and brings a selection of brushes for the dog’s long coat
INSPECTION: This Beagle doesn’t look too happy when his muzzle is held up for inspection while in the crate
Banking is not so common at dog shows anymore: the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of the few that still does it
A slightly grumpy looking Brussels Griffon is patient while sitting on the couch during the 148th annual event
This patient Brussels Griffon is not only on display to the public while posing in the couch area, but is also being cared for
HAVE A HUG: This little chihuahua rests his head on a woman’s shoulder as she cuddles him on the couch during the event
An immaculate French Bulldog gets a big hug and a kiss in the stadium’s jury room
COMPETITION: A Chinese Crested Dog stands still while on display in the judging room
Meanwhile, another Chinese Crested is photographed moving in the judging area, keeping up with his human companion
Pugs patiently line up in the judges’ line as they wait for the judges to make a decision on who will win this particular competition
READY FOR ACTION: Meanwhile, this sweet little Chihuahua sits with one paw up in the judging area
HAIR DOING: This pooch appears calm as he has arranged his coat in bundles while in the show’s judging room
FUR-EVER FRIENDS? These two Chihuahuas seem very interested in getting to know each other, while another turns away from them in fear
A very hairy Chinese Crested is photographed with handler Sammie Lewis in the crate
A French Bulldog is photographed waiting outside the Merchandise Tent during the event at Arthur Ashe Stadium
It appears a Chinese Crested is sprayed with some type of liquid while sitting in the show’s judging room
A lesser spotted Japanese Chin-pooch sits calmly while being photographed in the judging room of the 148th annual event