I have been watching for many years too. Still waiting for my favorite breed to win. When the man said "German" I was sure it was going to be the Shepherd. There are so many different breeds. It is a great show.

Feather3--- thanks for in haircut in on the poodles...I thought it was done purely for the vanity of the human, and I felt sorry for the poor creature to have to look so bizarre...but now I know there was a safety reason initially, but now?

also thanks for the info on those adorably funny puli/ commondor breeds.......

I am always cheering on the Westie breed. I had two of them in my lifetime and adore the breed. They are happy delightful dogs and had no general problems with either tho the one I rescued was extremely shy around people.

Love Labs, Dobie's, Dalmations, I have had all those-wonderful wonderful dogs!! Someday I hope to rescue a Greyhound.
I have had a German Shepherd, shedding was horrible even with regular monthly professional groomings. She had many health issues, she died young of a very aggressive form of Lymphosarcoma. I detected something was wrong late on a Wed. called the vet on Thurs, got her in Fri. morn, she was euthanized on Mon. I will never own another german shepherd-too many sad, difficult memories, just broke my heart... She however was a very loyal, devoted girl!
We too are faithful viewers of the Westminister.

Most dogs that have special hair cuts are done so just keeping with tradition & the rules set down by the AKC. A few still use those breeds for the origional purpose they were designed for.

The main reason many have yet to see a poodle in a show clip, in person, is it's a clip that takes a lot of time, hand scissoring, clipping, brushing, etc. Most "high maintenance" breeds, that get these special clips, you will only see done on show dogs. People that have them as pets usually keep the coat cut short.

In the past I have had 4 toy poodles. They are very smart, loving and easy to train. I always kept their hair short.
I have a Chihuahua I adopted and 2 years ago I bought a Shih Tzu He is stubborn and wants to be boss, very good other than that. I keep his hair short also. I only buy them from an older lady just wanting a little spare cash. The dogs were all raised as family dogs. I love the high maintenance dogs as I think they have the best personalities. Just my opinion off course.
I would rather see the dogs groomed with short hair on the show. I watch it whenever its on.

I looked for it on the nights I saw advertised and it wasn't shown here. Hopefully, it will show up as a rerun. I am also fascinated by the Puli. I do not like the poodle cuts but just enjoy seeing all the various breeds. Sometimes the handlers are more interesting than the dogs.

Although over the past 35 years, my pets have all been rescues of various breeds; the Westie has won my heart and just won't let go.

Did you see the commercials for a car company last night on Cesear 911? Very well done. Two Golden Retrievers go to a restaurant. They come out each carrying a "dogie bag". They are patiently waiting for their car sitting on the front steps of the restaurant. The red SUV pulls up covered in mud. The window rolls down and the cat is driving.

I'm still laughing.

I actually love the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and bigger dogs like the Mastiff. I have a greyhound/lab mix right now and have owned a Golden Retriever as a kid, who unfortunately died of cancer at the age of 6. It was heartbreaking and if I ever get another Golden I will definitely ask A LOT of questions before purchasing. I have never owned a Mastiff but would love to some day. Love watching anything to do with dogs, dog shows, documentaries, etc. I'm not into hunting but the GSP that won is a beautiful dog.