There is at least one dog show staged most weekends somewhere in America, and you can watch reruns of dog shows every Saturday morning on Animal Planet (a guilty pleasure, I completely confess.) But my dear, when it comes to real prestige, honor and tradition, there is only one.

The 132 annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show starts today.

You can draw the parallel to other iconic events in sports and pop culture: It's like the Kentucky Derby, the Indianapolis 500, the Oscars, the Bryant Park Fashion Week for purebred show dogs and the people who pamper them. Show here and you have reached the summit.

And only one of 2,500 dogs of 169 breeds and varieties will be named Best in Show.

The Hound, Terrier, Non-Sporting and Herding breeds and varieties will be judged today, with the breed champs vying for the group title tonight.

The Sporting, Working, and Toy breeds and varieties will be judged on Tuesday, with group finalists competing on Tuesday evening. The Best In Show will named from the group champions on Tuesday evening.

Tonight's group competitions will be televised live on USA Network at 8 p.m. and continued on CNBC from 9 until 11 p.m. Tuesdays' groups and the Best In Show competition will be televised live Tuesday on USA Network at 8 p.m.

Four breeds will be making their Westminster debut this year: the Tibetan Mastiff in the Working group, the Swedish Vallhund and the Beauceron in the Herding group, and the Plott in the Hound group.

Here in Southwest Virginia, you are most likely to run into a Plott hound, as they make great hunting dogs. The Swedish Vallhund reminds me of a Corgi dressed up like a German Shepherd Dog. The Beauceron sports that Doberman/ Rottie sleek, athletic style.

But the Tibetan Mastiff, the puppy pictured here, looks like the kind of pooch you want to be your best buddy on a cold winter night, a firm but fluffy cuddle pal.

Sit and stay tuned.

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• Posted by Nona Nelson in Sports and Recreation
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