Westminster Dog Show 2013: New Breeds Set to Grace This Year's Competition

Two new breeds will compete in the 2013 Westminster Dog Show, and both bring their own unique qualities and distinctions to the world famous competition.

Part of the appeal of this event is seeing the most manicured and well-trained examples of a variety of breeds from all over the world.

This year will feature Russell Terriers and Treeing Walker Coonhounds for the first time. Here's a video from CBS News Online introducing the new breeds:

Here is the information you need to catch the competition, per Westminster Kennel Club.

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NIGHT 1: 
Monday, February 11
Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups
8-11 p.m. ET live on CNBC 

NIGHT 2: 
Tuesday, February 12
Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups, Best In Show
8-11 p.m. ET live on USA Network 

"

You can also follow the action on your cell phone or mobile device. Click here to learn more about the required application.

Check out what makes these breeds unique and also how those qualities may shine through in the competition.

Russell Terriers

This is a very small breed of terrier standing just 10" to 12" tall that originated in England, per Westminster Kennel Club. The most unique aspect of Russell Terriers is their chest, which is described as "small, oval-shaped, spannable and compressible."

This makes them adept at hunting below ground.

These dogs are very energetic, and the American Kennel Club describes them as confident, highly intelligent and faithful. Those qualities should help them shine in the terrier groupings.

Treeing Walker Coonhounds

This is yet another energetic breed that was bred to tree wild raccoons, per Westminster Kennel Club. They are a bit bigger than the Russell Terriers (standing 22" to 27" tall) but equally as vibrant, intelligent and perhaps more sociable.

The American Kennel Club notes the breed's desire to perform, so it seems this breed is a natural for the competition. 

That's all well and good, but on a more simplistic level, I really like their long floppy ears.

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