Behind the scene of the upfront competition that is held in the rings during the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is a great collaboration between the competing dog and their handler. The technical grooming that is done before the dog is brought out is called the Backstage. The public has an opportunity to view the handlers as they are preparing their dog for competition. At that time they can see all the work that goes in preparing the dog before the show.
Resonating throughout the Backstage is trust and bonding that both the handler and competitive dog have. By the time they step into the ring the dog is looking to their handler for trust and love as they compete as one. Judges have had years of experience as they make their difficult decision to name the winner. The warm congratulations the other competitors convey to the winner shows the top quality of competition. There is one grand prize in this prestigious Westminster Kennel Club show for pure-bred canines in the United States; but in the end they are all winners to have made it to this level of competition.
Doublerock Press photos: https://www.napphotos.com
Mitchell Walters/Nancy Ann Peterson, photographer