Westminster Kennel Club Trivia Quiz

Answer: Doberman Pinscher

Ch. Royal Tudor's Wild as the Wind CD was the first dog to take BIS with an obedience title. The "CD" behind her name denotes this title, meaning "Companion Dog." She was a red Doberman Pinscher.

Answer: It was televised for the first time.

In 1948, when most households didn't have a television set, WKCS was available for those who did own one for the first time.

Answer: False

Beginning in 1876, the Westminster Breeding Association helped to stage a show in Philadelphia. They changed their name to the Westminster Kennel Club in the same year. The next year, the First Annual New York Bench Show of Dogs was given under the endorsement of the Westminster Kennel Club.

The title of "Best in Show" wasn't given out until 1907. The first title of Best In Show was given by a panel of 10 judges. Their names are unknown today.

Answer: Shetland Sheepdog

The herding group rarely wins the coveted title of BIS. As of 2006, the Herding Group has a total of four Best In Shows. There are many other breeds that have either never or rarely taken the coveted title.

Answer: No

The shows began in 1876, and at that point, KC registration was not required. In 1888, in accordance with the AKC, all dogs entered had to be registered with the AKC. According to the WKC History, "in those cases where a potential entrant was not registered with the AKC, the Westminster Show Secretary accepted a registration application and fee (50 cents) and forwarded it to the AKC."

Answer: False

It has had under one thousand dogs for only four years, in 1879 (953 dogs entered), 1883 (970 dogs entered), 1885 (950 dogs entered) and 1887 (976 dogs entered). In the last decade, it has routinely had more than two thousand dogs entered. In the history of the show, some years had the number of dogs entered exceed three thousand.

Answer: No

While it's been held in February most of the time, it has also been held in April and May. The first show was held on May 8-11, 1877.

Answer: St Bernard

She judged at the show for seven years. She was the only female judge until 1901.

Answer: Fox Terrier (Wire)

As of 2004: The Wire-haired Fox Terrier has had 13 BIS, the Scottish Terrier has racked up 7, while the Standard Poodle and Doberman Pinscher have both had 4. There are dozens of breeds that have never won the coveted title, including the Smooth Collie, the St Bernard, and the Labrador Retriever.

Answer: False

The Czar of Russia was the breeder of the Siberian Wolfhound. The "Emperor of Germany" was listed as the owner of a Russian Wolfhound in 1889.

The Siberian Wolfhound was later renamed the Russian Wolfhound, and even later renamed the Borzoi, which it's known as today.

Answer: American Red Cross

For two consecutive years, all profits went to the American Red Cross for the war effort.

They repeated their generosity again during World War 2, in 1941 and 1942. "In 1943 and 1944, proceeds go to the benefit of Dogs for Defense. In 1945, the National War Fund is the recipient of the proceeds."

Answer: Yes

In 1905, with "1,752 dogs on hand, Westminster becomes the largest dog show ever held anywhere in the world, surpassing the last show held at the Crystal Palace in London."

Answer: Lou Gehrig

While his dog, a female named "Afra of Cosalta," was entered, it seems as if she didn't do very well. She took second in the Open Bitches class.

Answer: Standard Schnauzer

According to http://www.trufasnegras.com/fotos%20pedigrees/PARSIFAL%20MEI_300.htm , "He won Best in Show at the 1997 Westminister KC Show - the first Standard Schnauzer to ever go Best in Show at the Westminister. Additionally, he was BOB at the 1997 SSCA National Specialty. In June 1997, Parsifal won a Group 1 and Second Best in Show at the 1997 World Dog Show in Puerto Rico."

Answer: Papillon

Not only was "Kirby" the first dog to win both titles, he was also one of the oldest dogs to win BIS at Westminster. When he won, he was over 8 years old.

All of my information came from WKC, at http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/ All quoted material was also from this site (except for the material in question 14, which is from the website given). I hope you enjoyed my quiz, and learned a bit about the history of one of the greatest dog shows in America.