Mon Feb 02 22:50:00 UTC 2026: ### Westminster Dog Show Celebrates 150th Anniversary
The Story:
The New York Times commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious dog shows. The article highlights the show’s history, dating back to 1877, and its evolution into a photogenic extravaganza. The article includes the show’s attraction as a combination of red carpet gala, sporting event, and fashion show. Storm, a Doberman, won the show in 1953, and the article emphasizes its photogenic nature and its ability to attract large crowds, even from its earliest days.
Key Points:
- The Westminster Dog Show is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
- The show began in 1877, predating the era of official photographers which started around the 1930s.
- The first show in 1877 featured over 1,000 dogs and attracted an estimated 6,000-8,000 spectators.
- Photographers for The New York Times have captured the event for nearly a century.
- The show is described as a “beauty contest” by the Westminster Dog Show’s official photographer of 50 years, John Ashbey.
Key Takeaways:
- The Westminster Dog Show has a long and rich history, evolving into a major social and cultural event.
- The event’s consistent popularity underscores its enduring appeal to both dog enthusiasts and the general public.
- The show’s photogenic nature has made it a consistent subject for media coverage over the decades.
First Piper 