Behind the Scenes at the Westminster Dog Show
Posted in Pet Stress on 02/12/2009 04:36 pm by cporter
Behind the Scenes at the Westminster Dog Show
The less glamorous “backstage” areas of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show are open to spectators and offer a rare opportunity to see and learn about the breeds, meet owners, handlers and breeders, learn about dog shows and watch dog grooming. For some of us, back stage was the best part of the show.
The Grooming Area was the place to see different breeds in various stages of grooming. The smell of coat conditioners, hair spray and talcum powder mixed in the air as hundreds of dogs were bathed, clipped, trimmed, shaved, blow dried, brushed, buffed, fluffed, smoothed, powdered, sprayed, and pedicured. 
The Benching area was arranged in rows and aisles. Breeds and varieties were grouped together, with multi-breed areas for exhibitors who showed four or more breeds. Exhibitors stacked an amazing amount of dog paraphernalia (plastic crates, wire cages, dog treat-filled coolers, grooming tool tackle boxes, special dog blankets and bottled dog water) on Westminster purple and yellow wooden benches that looked like oversized kindergarten cubbies. Additional grooming tables were set up in the aisles along with fans to help keep the dogs cool and comfortable.
The “Exercise Pens” or dog comfort areas were at the ends of aisles and were divided by chain link fences. The dogs could choose between paper and shavings, and separate areas were designated for “bitches in season.” Owners chatted over the fences like suburban neighbors in backyards while they waited for their dogs to find just the right spot. One owner downed a ketchup-covered concession hot dog while waiting patiently for his dog to circle numerous times before settling down to business.
The dogs all looked relaxed and some managed to nap in between grooming sessions. There was only occasional barking and no growling or whining. Many of the dogs seemed to enjoy meeting spectators and each other.
There are more photos below of the beautiful Westminster dogs I saw in the grooming area.
