Terrier Group Westminster 2023 Competition and Judging Process

The Terrier Group at Westminster 2023 was a highly competitive event, with a total of 34 breeds vying for the top spot.

The judging process began on Wednesday, with the Terrier Group being one of the first groups to be judged.

Each breed was judged individually, with the winner of each breed advancing to the Terrier Group ring for further competition.

The Terrier Group ring is where the top dogs from each breed are judged together, with the winner being crowned the Terrier Group winner.

For your interest: Akc National Dog Show 2023 Winner

To get into the show, dogs must be champions, having accumulated prior wins and points. They're invited based on their complicated rankings in the sport.

Top dogs are chosen from breeders who identify puppies with the right physical attributes and disposition for conformation competition. This process starts when breeders select puppies with potential.

Some owners get their show-quality dogs unexpectedly and then learn the ropes. Professional handlers take top dogs on the road, hitting shows every weekend.

These big-name handlers gather intel on rivals' schedules and ponder judges' past picks. They even run ads to celebrate their dogs' accomplishments and boost their profile.

If this caught your attention, see: Border Terrier Breeders

The competition for the Terrier Group at Westminster 2023 is a thrilling event. Dogs in the Terrier Group first face off against others of their breed, with the winner moving on to a semifinal round of judging.

Each breed's winner competes against others in its group, which includes hounds, herding dogs, and of course, terriers. The Terrier Group has its own winner, but it's not the only group competing.

In the final round, the seven group winners compete for best in show.

A fresh viewpoint: National Dog Show Winner 2021

Judges at Westminster carefully examine each dog's physical characteristics, including teeth, tail, and temperament, to determine which one best matches the breed standard.

The standard is based on the breed's original function, such as thick paw pads for a hound that hunts in rough terrain or proportions for quick turns in a herding dog.

Judges do hands-on examinations and watch the dogs in motion to assess each dog's assets and imperfections.

Distinctions can be very subtle, and victory often goes to the dog that "brings it" on the day of the competition.

Related reading: Standard Yorkshire Terrier

Winners of the Terrier Group at Westminster 2023 get bragging rights and trophies.

The agility winner gets to direct a $5,000 Westminster donation to a training club.

Obedience winners also get to direct a $5,000 Westminster donation, this time to the American Kennel Club Humane Fund.

Explore further: List of Best in Show Winners of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Wire fox terriers have won the top prize at Westminster a record 15 times, most recently in 2019. They've consistently shown their charm and agility on the show floor.

Some breeds have had a harder time claiming the top spot, including the popular Labrador retriever. Yet, even the most unlikely breeds can surprise us - a bloodhound took best in show for the first time just last year.

Border collies have dominated the agility championships, with almost all the titles going to this breed.

Explore further: When Is Best to Breed a Dog

Winners get bragging rights and trophies.

The agility winners get a special recognition, directing a $5,000 Westminster donation to a training club.

Obedience winners also get to direct a $5,000 Westminster donation, this time to the American Kennel Club Humane Fund.

For another approach, see: Winners of National Dog Show