dog shows

Congratulations to CJ, a German Shorthaired Pointer, who beat over 3,000 dogs to win the top prize – Best in Show – at the 140th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last evening at Madison Square Garden in New York City. CJ, a three year-old male who’s full name is CGH VJ-Myst Garbonita’s California Journey, is only the third German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) to win Best in Show at Westminster. He is the grandson of Carlee, who took the Best in Show title at Westminster in 2005.
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Congratulations to Miss P, a 15-inch Beagle, who beat over 2,700 dogs to win the top prize – Best in Show – at the 2015 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Miss P, a four year old female from British Columbia, Canada, is only the second Beagle to win Best in Show at Westminster. She is the grandniece of Uno, the other Beagle Best in Show, who won in 2008.
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We’ve had movies on the mind at DogWatch headquarters ever since the Oscars were given out last month in Los Angeles. In addition to catching up on last year’s award winners, the DogWatch Hidden Fences team have been coming up with our list of favorites. Sticking with what we know best, Dog Tails presents the results of our survey of the best dog movies. These 11 films cover a wide range, but all feature unforgettable dogs who have touched our hearts and tickled our funny bones.

The Classics

Lassie Come Home (1943) [G]

Film’s most famous dog made her movie debut in this MGM classic. This version, based on the 1940 novel, takes place in Depression-era rural England. Having fallen on hard times, the Carraclough family is forced to sell their beloved rough collie to a Duke. The family’s young son Joe (Roddy McDowall) is determined to retrieve Lassie, and enlists the help of the Duke’s young niece Priscilla (eleven year-old Elizabeth Taylor). Lassie is played by Pal, the first in a long line of canine actors to portray this loyal family pet. Lassie Come Home is an historic dog film, and one that will still delight the whole family.

101 Dalmatians (1961 and 1996) [G]

Disney has introduced numerous dog characters, but one film stands alone for the sheer number of canine cast members. This film also features the unforgettable villain Cruella De Vil, who wants to steal the titular pups to make a fur coat. Viewers can choose between the 1961 animated classic, or the 1996 live-action version, featuring Glenn Close as De Vil. Either way, you’re bound to enjoy watching these famous spotted dogs outsmart the devilish fashionista and steal your heart in the process.

Old Yeller (1957) [G]

Based on the 1956 book by Fred Gipson, this movie is a classic tear-jerker centering on a boy and his beloved Labrador retriever/mastiff mix. Parents will remember this movie from their childhood, and children seeing it for the first time will never forget it.

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Madison Square Garden in New York City usually hosts NBA games and big-name concerts, but last week, the dogs took over. The almost 20,000-seat arena hosted the 135th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last Monday and Tuesday. The famous venue welcomed 2,626 dogs, representing 179 breeds.

Many winners were crowned in this prestigious two-day competition, billed as “America’s Dog Show.” Judges selected the best dog from each of 179 breeds, and slowly narrowed now each winner round by round until finally reaching the Group rounds. The seven Groups are Sporting, Non-Sporting, Toy, Hound, Terrier, Working and Herding dogs. Visit the Westminster Kennel Club website to see the names and photos of the winners.

The big finale came on Tuesday evening, when the seven dogs who were chosen as winners of their Groups returned to the stage to compete for the grand prize of Best in Show. These remarkable show dogs are shown in the slide show below.

It was a tight race this year. Judge Paolo Dondina stated that he couldn’t remember a better lineup of dogs. Yet there must be a winner, and the 2011 title went to Hickory, the five year-old female Scottish Deerhound. This was the first time a Scottish Deerhound had ever taken the Best in Show prize at Westminster, making Hickory’s win an historic one. To watch a video of USA network’s live coverage of the Best in Show round, click here.

We want to know what you think? Take our poll below, and vote for your personal pick for Best in Show! We will reveal the results on our Facebook page next week. Congratulations to Hickory and all of this year’s winners!