Dog enthusiasts flocked to New York City’s Arthur Ashe Stadium today to take part in the Westminster Kennel Club’s 148th Annual Dog Show.
The event is organized by the Westminster Kennel Club, which as the oldest organization in the United States dedicated to dog sports, was founded in 1877.
According to the organization, the show is “the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the U.S. and, since 1948, the longest nationally televised live dog show.”
About 3,000 canines from across the United States are expected to attend Westminster Week. Many of them will be benched (displayed on benches for the public to see) by their proud human companions.
At the event, purebred dogs can take part in the annual dog show, with dogs of all backgrounds eligible to compete in the Masters Agility Championship and Masters Obedience Championship.
A Chinese Crested puppy appears tired and is photographed yawning while being held in the judging area at the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
A Chihuahua poses in the judging area during the event, which has been held for more than a century.
RUFF’S LIFE: This bulldog looks exhausted while being rubbed with a towel in the bench area of the show.
The dog certainly seems to have a lot of personality judging by that distinctive face!
Meanwhile, also in the dog show’s bench area, a King Charles Cavalier poses for a close-up photo.
Displayed in the dugout area, this King Charles Cavalier appears to be wet, perhaps having been washed before competing.
Another breed of dog sits in the bench area: this time a Basset Hound appears patient as he is forced to sit on display.
A Coton de Tulear sports a long, crisp white coat during the annual event at Arthur Ashe Stadium
SHOW PREPARATION: A woman grooms a Coton de Tulear and brings a selection of brushes for the dog’s long coat.
INSPECTION: This Beagle doesn’t seem too happy to have his muzzle lifted for inspection while sitting in the bench area.
Benching isn’t as common at dog shows anymore: The Westminster Kennel Club dog show is one of the few that still does it
A rather grumpy-looking Brussels Griffon is patient as he is benched during the 148th annual event
In addition to being displayed to the public while posing in the bench area, this patient Brussels Griffon is also being groomed.
A HUG: This little chihuahua rests his head on the shoulder of a woman who hugs him in the bench area of the event
An immaculate French Bulldog receives a big hug and kiss while in the judging area of the stadium.
COMPETITION: A Chinese crested dog stands still while exhibiting in the judging area
Meanwhile, another Chinese Crested is photographed moving in the judging area, keeping pace with its human companion.
The Pugs line up patiently in the judging area as they wait for the judges to decide who will win this particular competition.
READY FOR ACTION: Meanwhile, this sweet little Chihuahua sits while holding one paw in the testing area.
HAIRSTYLE: This dog appears calm as he has his coat arranged in bunches while in the judging area of the show.
FUR FRIENDS? These two Chihuahuas seem very interested in getting to know each other, while another anxiously walks away from them.
A very shaggy Chinese crested dog is photographed with his handler Sammie Lewis in the bench area.
A French Bulldog is photographed waiting outside the merchandise tent at the event at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
A Chinese Crested appears to be sprayed with some type of liquid while sitting in the judging area of the show.
A Japanese Chin dog with fewer spots sits calmly while being photographed in the judging area of the 148th annual event