The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

From Krista Mifflin,

Your Guide to Dogs.

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The Best of the BestThe annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show is the most prestigious conformation dog show in the United States. It is the first of its kind, and still the only "titled champions only" dog show, selecting the very best, from the best. The only dogs that are eligible to compete at Westminster are dogs who have been successfully shown and have earned an AKC Championship title. The five top qualifying dogs will be invited to enter the Dog Show. It's easy to see why breeders travel far and wide to compete at Westminster.
Its Rich HistoryOlder than even the American Kennel Club itself, the Westminster Kennel Club was formed in 1877, hoping to bring about more interest in dog breeds and in doing so, improve breeding lines.

believe it's safe to say that the Club was a resounding success from its very first show, bringing in the entry of 1201 dogs. In 1907 the Best in Show award was given at Westminster for the first time. In 1888, the show month changed from April or May to February and has stayed there for 117 years and counting. Over the last 130 years, several famous people have entered dogs in the Show. Among them was J. P. Morgan, the world's most famous banker and philanthropist, entered Collies on more than one occasion. Nellie Bly, a psuedonym for the one the world's earliest investigative reporters, entered her Maltese in 1894. And Baseball Hall-of-Famer Lou Gehrig had a German Shepherd compete at Westminster.
Some Show FactsThe man known as the "Voice of Westminster", Roger Caras died at the age of 72, on February 18th, 2001. Wire-Haired Fox Terriers have taken the most Best In Show (BIS) titles out of all the dog breeds with 13 wins. The oldest dog to win Best in Show is an eight-year-old Papillon known as "Kirby". Photos From Westminster: 2005 - The 129th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

From : http://dogs.about.com/od/activitiesandsports/a/westminster.htm?nl=1

Good Basic Feeding Tips

1. Most dogs should be fed once a day at the same time every day. Feeding at the same time will keep your dog on a bathroom schedule. However, some dogs, especially the larger breeds, need to be fed more then once a day. Ask your vet how many times a day you should feed your dog.
2. Feed your dog the same type and brand of food every day. Unlike humans, a dog digestive system cannot handle changes in food. It can cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
3. When switching to a new food gradually transition him to a new food by mixing portions of both foods until you slowly phase the old food out. Your dog may experience diarrhea if his food is suddenly changed.
4. If you are mixing water to dry food you should mix 4 parts dry food to 1 part water.
5. Keep fresh Drinking water available at all times. Change the water at least once day, more for dogs who drool.
6. Keep food and water bowls clean.
7. Don't overfeed your dog.
   Follow the guidelines on the dog food package for recommended feeding amounts.
8. Monitor your dog's weight and activity level, and make feeding adjustments as necessary.
9. Some dogs can do well on self-feeders. If your dog is overweight, or if he is going to the bathroom inside the house, you may want to get him on a feeding schedule.

From : http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/feeding.htm

How much should I feed my dog?

1. Feed your puppy the same kind of food every day. Unlike humans, a dog's digestive system cannot handle changes in food. It can cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
2. When switching to a new food, gradually transition him to the new food by mixing portions of both foods until you slowly phase the old food out. Your puppy may experience diarrhea if his food is suddenly changed.
3. Feed your puppy at the same time every day.
4. Always have fresh drinking water available.
5. Keep food and water bowls clean.
6. Don't overfeed your puppy.
7. Follow the guidelines on the puppy food package for recommended feeding amounts.
8. Monitor your puppy's weight and activity level, and make feeding adjustments as necessary.
9. Don't be alarmed if your puppy's appetite changes. It is normal for your puppy to lose his appetite or experience digestive upset occasionally. If your puppy's upset stomach becomes severe or last longer than a day or two, contact your veterinarian.
10. If you are mixing water to dry food you should mix 4 parts dry food to 1 part water.

From http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/feeding.htm