Westminster Dog Show 2012 Results: Judges Must Give Unique Breeds a Chance

The Westminster Dog Show reminds me of the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The judges (or voters) are old-school critics that are stubborn to change their ways. The 2012 edition has arrived and six new breeds were participants. Too bad they didn’t have a shot in the world of winning.

Westminster spokesman David Frei was pretty blunt about it when he spoke with the Los Angeles Times:

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"The fastest a new breed has gone from first appearance to best in show is 27 years."

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Why? What is the harm of letting a new breed like the puffin hunter, reindeer herder, coon hound and the Xoloitzcuintli have a shot? They bring a new dynamic to the show that some of the same ole’ breeds don’t.

The four winning the group competitions: a German shepherd, a Dalmatian, a wirehaired dachshund and a Pekingese.

Boring. What’s the harm in showcasing some of the newer breeds to inform the audience? This is an educational event in addition to a show. Frei really doesn’t provide a great answer:

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"We would love for them...to come here and be successful, in the early years, they find themselves the object almost of entertainment."

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The four-year-old Malachy won his 115th overall Best in Show title after a remarkable run that showed off his swiftness and grace.

I have no problems with the little guy (11 pounds) taking home the award, I would just like the judges to watch the competition with a little bit more of an open mind. It seems like they eliminate certain breeds right off the bat because the breeds haven’t been around long enough in the competition.

Sounds similar to how it’s next to impossible to be voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on the first go-around.

The way judges view this competition needs to be altered to give the underdog a chance.