History Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
the westminster kennel club formed in 1877. the westminster show first held on may 8, 1877, making second-longest continuously held sporting event in united states behind kentucky derby, first held in 1875. (both events held during world war years.) show originated show gun dogs, setters , pointers, initiated group of hunters met regularly @ westminster hotel @ irving place , sixteenth street in manhattan. decided create kennel club called westminster kennel club purpose of holding dog show. prizes these first shows included such items pearl handled pistols, of use hunters , terriermen worked these dogs in field. held @ gilmore s garden (madison square garden) westminster show drew on 1200 dogs , proved popular scheduled 3 days extended four, club donating proceeds fourth day aspca creation of home stray , disabled dogs. the westminster kennel club predates formation of american kennel club 7 years, , became first club admitted akc after akc s founding in 1884. breed parent clubs (e.g....