Some Woof-Worthy New Breeds (Even Mixed Ones!) Shake Up the Westminster Dog Show

Some mutts and half-breeds will bringing new blood to the 138th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show this year, as this event — known for its coveted Best in Show title — will be the first one in history to welcome nonpedigreed contestants. But before you try to register your family's mixed mutt, note that it's still not welcome at the dog show proper on Feb. 10, only at a newly created Masters Agility Championship before the main event. Still, it's a big moment in the dog world. Animal-rights activists have protested the show in the past, saying that dog breeding is nonsensical while plenty of unwanted pooches languish in shelters or wind up euthanized. But enthusiasts of the purebred pups see breeding as an important way to develop and preserve traits. Now, both sides will have their moment in the sun. It's just one of several innovations, as this year also introduces three new breeds, bringing the total in the main contest to a whopping 190. Let’s meet some of the contenders, shall we? — Beth Greenfield

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