NEW YORK (AP) — The Westminster Kennel Club dog show has long been the province of purebreds. But the nation’s premier canine event is opening a doggie door this year to mixed-breed competitors: They’ll be included in its new agility trial.
Next month’s show at New York’s Madison Square Garden also will feature three new breeds. They’re the chinook, the Portuguese podengo pequeno (poh-DEHN’-goh peh-KAYN’-yoh) and the rat terrier.
A press conference Wednesday featured some of the newcomers, plus dogs weaving around poles and jumping through a tire on an agility course.
Organizers say this year marks the first time dogs of mixed breeds have appeared anywhere at Westminster since the 138-year-old event’s early days.
