2013 Westminster Dog Show: Historically Successful Breeds to Watch in Showcase

Cat people need not apply. The Westminster Dog Show is back in town.

For the 137th time in its history, the Westminster Kennel Club will hold its annual dog show in New York City Feb. 11 and 12. Dog lovers and animal enthusiasts will have an opportunity to once again showcase and view some of the most impressive canines on the planet under one roof.

Several changes will be implemented for the show this year, including an increase in number of entries to 3,200. According to the Westminster Kennel Club’s official website, entries will now include “class dogs” (dogs that aren’t champions) for the first time since 1991.

While there will be more breeds for dog lovers to view this year, the increase in number of participants also means predicting a winner will be even more difficult. With 187 different breeds competing in this year's showcase, the competition will be up for grabs.

We'll take a look at some of the breeds viewers should watch for this year that have had success in the history of the Westminster Dog Show. 

*All historical figures courtesy of WestminsterKennelClub.org

Pekingese

A Pekingese named Malachy stole the show last year in bringing home the Best in Show title. According to the Westminster Kennel Club website, it was the fourth time a Pekingese won the prestigious award, the first for its breed since 1990.

Only seven dogs have won the award multiple times (none since 1972), which means the odds are slim for a repeat performance. Still, the Pekingese is a popular breed that has experienced its share of success in the history of the showcase.

Cocker Spaniel

A Cocker Spaniel has won the Best in Show title four times in the history of the Westminster Dog show and fans should keep an eye on how well the breed does this year.

While Cocker Spaniels have done well in the history of the competition, none have won the award since 1954. With an increase in the number of breeds in the field this year, the Cocker Spaniel may be a bit of a long shot to add to its resume.

Wirehaired Fox Terrier

Fox Terriers dominated the Westminster Dog Show in the early years of the competition, winning the first four Best in Show awards and 14 of the first 25 competitions. The last time a Wirehaired Fox Terrier won was in 1992, though.

Twelve different breeds have won the title in the last 12 years, meaning this year's contest could easily go to a breed that has not won the Best in Show award recently. Perhaps this is the year the Wirehaired Fox Terrier makes its triumphant return to the top.

Poodle

"Non-sporting" dogs have had their time to shine in the Westminster Dog Show. In the history of the showcase, a total of nine Poodles have won the Best in Show award. Standard Poodles have won four times, Toy Poodles two times and Miniature Poodles have won the award three times.

While Poodles have done well in the history of the competition, the breed hasn't taken home the first prize since 1991 when a Standard Poodle claimed the distinction. Still, every dog has its day, and it may be that time for the Poodle to shine again.