The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show captivates its audience with adorable dogs and an entertaining competition. But what happens behind the scenes? Most people are unaware of the struggles dogs endure.
During this competition, dogs are being abused during grooming. Groomers do not care about the dog’s well-being and comfort; they are torture bred and abused while being trimmed.
Held for over 140 years, the Westminster Dog Show is one of the longest-running dog shows in the world. This year’s event is scheduled to take place from January 31 to February 3, 2026, in New York. The three-round competition features dogs from all over the world competing to be “Best in Show.”
In the first round, dogs compete against dogs of the same breed, with a winner selected from each group. In the second round, the winners of each group are divided into one of seven assigned groups (e.g., Herding, Toy, Terrier) and compete to be the best in that group. In the third round, the seven group winners compete against each other to decide the overall “Best in Show” champion.
Although many people enjoy watching this competition, several problems within it have a significant impact on the dogs. The first problem lies in how the dogs are bred. When dogs are bred for the Westminster Dog Show, breeders often subject them to harsh grooming practices to make them appear well-groomed and presentable.
Torture breeding is a term often used when breeders intentionally breed two dogs to produce puppies with specific characteristics, usually resulting in health issues, pain, and suffering. Brachycephalic (flat-nosed) dogs are among the many victims of this breeding method, having a shorter skull and flatter muzzle compared to other dogs. Pugs and other brachycephalic breeds have breathing deficiencies, eye issues, and skin problems because of torture breeding.
Another major problem arises when these dogs get styled for the show. When being trimmed, several dogs are put into choke collars and stand on tiny pegs, which restrict their movement and prevent them from breathing freely.
Several owners disregard their dogs’ comfort: they have groomers apply white powder to the dogs’ fur to make it appear brighter and use eyeliner on the dogs’ eyes to make them appear larger.
“Dogs should not be abused in that way. If you are putting makeup on the dogs, that is solely animal abuse. No animal should ever be put through that,” freshman Ella Osley said.
Although these alterations to the dogs’ appearance help in the competition, they are another form of animal abuse.
Not only do these show dogs struggle with physical changes, but they also struggle mentally.
“People think that physical pain can be worse than mental pain, but that is not necessarily true,” freshman Zen Budden said.
Mental factors, such as behavioral changes, a weakened immune system due to persistent anxiety, and the stress of the show, can also have a severe impact on dogs.
Despite continuous protests against the Westminster Dog Show, it continues to take place.
People watching can help by supporting programs like the Professional Handlers Association and by refraining from buying purebred dogs. Instead, consider going to a shelter and rescuing dogs. Don’t make dogs suffer, make them safe.
