Hundreds dogs will compete for the title "Best in Show," which makes instant celebrities out of the winners and their breeds. In 2010, a Scottish Terrier called "Sadie" won the title. In 2009, a Sussex Spaniel called "Stump" won and in 2008, "Uno," a beagle with ties to downstate Illinois, won the title.
This year six new breeds are in the competition: Icelandic Sheepdog, Leonberger, Cane Corso, Redbone Coonhound, Bluetick Coonhound and the Boykin Spaniel.
The two-day show starts Monday, but events leading up to it are already under way in New York and the tri-state area. The judging begins Monday with hound, toy, non-sporting and herding breeds. On Tuesday, sporting, working and terrier breeds are judged. "Best In Show" will also be named Tuesday.
Westminster is the second-longest continuously held sporting event- behind only the Kentucky Derby.
