At the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the judging process emphasizes the idealized standards of each dog breed rather than direct competition among the dogs. Spectators and participants engage with a shared culture of admiration for canine perfection, and owners often possess a deep understanding of the specific qualities that define their breeds. The narrative captures the author's surprise at the intense scrutiny dogs face and humorously illustrates the gap between casual dog appreciation and the high-stakes world of dog shows, where only one out of 2,500 dogs can claim the title of Best in Show.
At Westminster, dogs aren't judged against each other but against the ideal version of their breed—the breed standard, applying objective measurements to determine superiority.
The judges examine everything; the floof must floof at an obtuse angle, and the bulldog should look grumpy but not too grumpy, demanding a standard of perfection.
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