Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Soothes And Dazzles Online Dog Lovers Amid Stressful News Cycle

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, America’s biggest canine sporting event and occasional source of memes, is currently airing on TV and is set to announce the winner of the coveted "Best in Show" award at 7:30 p.m., EST.

Game face. #WestminsterDogShow pic.twitter.com/QYs1OKpc0S

— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) June 22, 2022

Jinx, a Chinese Crested Dog gets ready before breed judging at the 146th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, New York. Photo by Eduardo Munoz pic.twitter.com/NVZvZOZeNF

— corinne_perkins (@corinne_perkins) June 21, 2022

The famous annual dog show comes amid a busy news cycle, with several other stressful events going on around the world that are particularly fatiguing. As such, the wholesome event proved to be a welcome distraction and memeable occasion for many online.

For everyone whose souls are being crushed by the dumpster fire our Democracy currently is in, I would like to remind you of joyful counter programming: the Westminster Dog Show. @Montanapug #TeamPug

— Alex Hart (@alexhhart) June 21, 2022

though I’m very sad to miss out on NFT NYC activities, I am staying true to my mission: making art!photographing the Westminster Dog Show for @nytimesSee more 👇 https://t.co/SGodsx8GLw pic.twitter.com/DFF1daYydp

— callakessler.eth (@callakessler) June 22, 2022

The first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show took place in 1877, and the competition is the second-oldest continuous sporting event in the United States after the Kentucky Derby.

The winner of the Herding Group is River the German Shepherd! #WestminsterDogShow pic.twitter.com/HKnut7vcHl

— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) June 22, 2022

During today's show, some pets on Twitter were reportedly upset at being left out of the event.

OMG mom went to a dog show today and ended up in golden heaven and did not take me😳 pic.twitter.com/9V5OPMxd5x

— Gabriel (@Gabriel35435981) June 18, 2022

When your dogs want into the Westminster Dog Show 😂 @WKCDOGS pic.twitter.com/uvXflNj937

— Kevin ODonnell Fox13 (@ODonnellFox13) June 20, 2022

A number of posters shared that they were enthusiastically watching the event, although many expressed disappointment and even outrage at the results of the competition.

Loudly booing all the dogs I dislike at the Westminster dog show

— Poorly Drawn Turtle (@NoTheOtherJohn) June 22, 2022

2022 U.S. Westminster Dog Show's Blue Ribbon Winner Is An Abomination To The Lord https://t.co/XVre751MRH

— chaps (@UncleChaps) June 22, 2022

The dog show features all dog breeds but breaks them down into seven subcategories: Terrier, Sporting, Working, Toy, Non-Sporting, Hound and Herding. Winners in each category then square off at the end for the "Best in Show" title.

The BIG dogs are here today! #WestminsterDogShow pic.twitter.com/T2M1MBgQzQ

— Westminster Dog Show (@WKCDOGS) June 22, 2022

Last year’s winner, a Pekingese named Wasabi, has since been profiled by many famous newspapers. A win at the show is a path to great fame and glory for a dog, and many owners dearly wish to win.

A reunion with Wasabi, the 2021 Westminster dog show winner. He is semi-retired, living the good life in Pennsylvania and still acting like a winner. https://t.co/ZsNKiMNPbt

— The Seattle Times (@seattletimes) June 21, 2022