The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, a premier event in the United States, not only showcases the exceptional bond between people and their canine companions but also highlights the unique partnerships between couples who share a profound dedication to the world of competitive dog handling. This year's event, marking the 150th annual show, brings together enthusiasts whose lives revolve around their love for dogs, creating a community built on mutual passion and support.
Power Couples in the Dog Show World
For many top handlers, success in the competitive dog show circuit is deeply intertwined with personal relationships. Bill McFadden, a two-time Westminster-winning handler, emphasises the importance of having a partner who is equally committed to the demanding lifestyle. "For me, it would be very hard to do this without somebody who was as vested in it as I am," he explained. Bill and his wife, Taffe McFadden, form a formidable dogdom power couple, having met at a dog show in the late 1970s and married in 1985.
Despite occasionally competing against each other at various shows, the McFaddens maintain a supportive dynamic. "I think some of my best memories are watching Taffe win best in show," Bill remarked. "If one of us takes the big ribbon home, it's awesome. Doesn't matter which one." Taffe, who handled the second-place winner in 2019, is set to appear with Bono the Havanese in a special tribute to Westminster's milestone anniversary.
Juggling Passion with Everyday Life
The demanding schedule of professional dog handlers, who may attend 150 to 200 shows annually, makes relationships with fellow enthusiasts particularly valuable. Bill McFadden humorously noted the challenges of explaining such a lifestyle to someone outside the dog show world: "I can't even imagine trying to date and explain to somebody, 'Now, I'm going to be gone five days a week, and I'm going to have like 20 dogs with me.'" He credits his wife for maintaining order at their five-acre home in Acampo, California, where they care for a rotating cast of canines.
Other couples, like Randy and Andrea Huelsemann, balance their passion for dog breeding and showing with full-time careers. Randy works as a 911 dispatcher, while Andrea is a dental hygienist. "We do it for just the love of it, for something to do together," Randy said, as they prepared to bring their French bulldog, Ollie, into the ring. Andrea added, "It's a great hobby for the two of us," allowing them to travel and share experiences.
Breed Competition Gets Underway
Following agility and other sports events on Saturday, the storied show transitioned to its traditional breed competition on Monday. Dogs of all sizes, from tiny Chihuahuas to towering Irish wolfhounds, began competing in the multi-round, breed-by-breed contest that culminates in the best in show award on Tuesday night.
Among the first-round winners advancing to the semifinals were a Lhasa apso named JJ and an American foxhound called George, who were the winner and runner-up, respectively, at the massive AKC National Championship show in December. Susan Giles, JJ's breeder, handler, and co-owner from Manakin Sabot, Virginia, described him as "a show dog all the time" and noted his friendly nature: "He'll talk to everybody."
George, representing one of the United States' oldest but now rarest breeds, was praised by handler Tristen Miller of Mechanicsville, Maryland. "They're such cool dogs—more people should know about them and have them," she said. Like many in the profession, Tristen is married to another dog enthusiast; her husband, John Miller, works in his family's business managing dog shows.
Show Dogs with Show-Business Connections
The Westminster show also attracts participants with ties to the entertainment industry. Lydia Hearst and Chris Hardwick enthusiastically cheered for their otterhound, Zoltar, who, despite not winning his breed, likely received the loudest support. "I die a lot in horror movies, so I can scream for a long time," Hearst joked. Both actors grew up with dogs, with Hearst having experience in show dogs and Hardwick with pets.
Wilbur the beagle brought his own Hollywood credentials to the event, having appeared in the new Netflix police drama "The Rip," starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Handled by 13-year-old Charlotte Jones in the junior competition, Wilbur's owner, Mary Cummings of Binghamton, New York, has long trained dogs for both the show ring and show business. When asked about Wilbur's preferences, Cummings said, "Everything. He likes anything that involves food and getting attention."
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show continues to be a celebration of canine excellence and the human relationships that thrive within this unique community, blending competition, companionship, and a shared love for dogs.
