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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Economy Takes Chomp Out of America's Top Dog Show

Westminster Kennel Club show empties out as economy goes to the dogs

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(Newser) – America's top dog will be crowned at the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in Manhattan tonight but the rough economy has thinned out the pack, reports AP. At $75 per entry, the event fell 14 pooches short of its usual 2,500 competitors. Human onlookers were also fewer than usual, with Madison Square Garden only two-thirds full.

One perennial attendee that didn’t shy away was PETA, whose members stood outside the show dressed as KKK members to protest the focus on purebred animals. Seven group winners—a Scottish deerhound, a Scottish terrier, a standard poodle, a puli, plus three more to be picked today—will compete tonight for the Best in Show prize.

The 2008 Best in Show, a beagle named Uno, looks around during the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York yesterday.
The 2008 Best in Show, a beagle named Uno, looks around during the 133rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York yesterday.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Handler Timothy Brazier and his poodle run in the ring during the Non Sporting Group competition during the 133rd annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York yesterday.
Handler Timothy Brazier and his poodle run in the ring during the Non Sporting Group competition during the 133rd annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York yesterday.   (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
A handler shows off the gums of a bloodhound named Moonie.
A handler shows off the gums of a bloodhound named Moonie.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
A French Mastiff named Brando poses for pictures during a press conference in New York last week.
A French Mastiff named Brando poses for pictures during a press conference in New York last week.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
JoJo, an American foxhound, gets a job-well-done greeting from owner Beverly Wyckoff backstage at Madison Square Garden during the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York yesterday.
JoJo, an American foxhound, gets a job-well-done greeting from owner Beverly Wyckoff backstage at Madison Square Garden during the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York yesterday.   (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)
PETA supporters distribute leaflets outside Madison Square Garden during the 133rd annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York yesterday.
PETA supporters distribute leaflets outside Madison Square Garden during the 133rd annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York yesterday.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
The crowd watches as Bichons Frises are shown during the 133rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan yesterday.
The crowd watches as Bichons Frises are shown during the 133rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan yesterday.   (Getty Images)
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We understand it. For most people, dog shows are a hobby. When money gets tight, people spend it on food and schools and things they absolutely need.
- David Frei, spokesman for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

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kati
Feb 10, 09 10:06 AM CST
It's not just the economy, it's people understanding that the breeding of so-called purebreds supports the killing of others already dumped in shelters. Reply
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