A Sealyham Terrier named “Stache” won Best in Show in 2023.Photo:Bill McCay/NBC via Getty
Bill McCay/NBC via Getty
Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE, several handlers and groomers shared what they found difficult to navigate about the National Dog Show: It’s a “benched” show.
According to theNational Dog Show’s website, the benched show stipulates that “all breeds can be found in designated locations throughout” the event.
Perry Payson, whoseFrench Bulldog Winston won Best In Showat the National Dog Show in 2022, tells PEOPLE how the process works for canines and their handlers.
Handlers and their dogs stay in their assigned spots or “benches” — except when showing or taking bathroom breaks — during benched shows. “You can’t leave; you have to stay here all day because this way, the visitors come, and they can meet and greet the people and the dogs, and they can talk about the breed and get educated,” he says.
A dog being judged during the 2023 National Dog Show.Bill McCay/NBC via Getty
Tristen Lawrence, whose family breeds American Foxhounds and is known for Great Danes, also says that the “most shocking” National Dog Show rule for those unfamiliar with the competition’s inner workings would likely be that handlers and dogs “can’t leave the building” during the event.
Alfonso Escobedo, who has a Chinese Shar Pei and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, also mentions this benching rule. “You’re stuck in your setup,” he says. “So, yes, they’re a little strict about not leaving the dog show with your dog. You can get out, but you can’t leave.”
“It’s just kind of like a little weird for us to work like this,” he adds.
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“It’s important for our sport to have a [benched] dog show because it brings in the general public to meet all these different breeds and breeders from all over the country.”
A Norwich Terrier at their bench during the National Dog Show.Bill McCay/NBC via Getty
Over 1,800 dogs from more than 180 different breeds gathered on Nov. 16 and 17 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center for the 2024 National Dog Show.
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source: people.com
