They’re called the “Apollo of Dogs,” but Great Danes have had a harder time winning over the hearts of Westminster judges.
The majestic breed, ranked 16th in popularity by the AKC, has been shown at the Westminster Dog Show since 1887.
But Great Danes have only won Best of Group five times, the latest being all the way back in 1983.
Neither breed has won Best in Show since they were recognized by the American Kennel Club (1917 for the Lab and and 1925 for the Golden), and only twice has a Golden Retriever won Best of the Sporting Group, the last coming in 2006.
NEW YORK — Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds to own in the United States.
“They’re very workman-like, it’s not a lot of flash in the ring. They’re supposed to be moderate, dependable and with a wonderful temperament,” says Susan Palius, who is the chair of the Meet the Breeds booth for the Golden Retriever Club of America. “They’re bred to assist people and put food on the table.”
“At the end of the day, in that venue,” she adds, referring to the rings where the canines compete, “they’re looking for the one that has a huge ego, and most Labradors are low key.”
Still, it’s possible that a showier dog — both in personality and look — might stand out more than one that’s “low key.”
Fifty-four Labradors will be strutting their stuff for the judges this year in Madison Square Gardens ring for Best in Breed this Tuesday. The winners of the Sporting Group and Best In Show will be announced later that same day.
Its statistically proven that Americans love the Labrador Retriever — since 1992, they have been the most popular dog breed in the U.S. The medium-sized dogs are known for their thick, weather-resistant coat, “otter” tail, and human-oriented personality. Who doesnt love a Lab?
And not only have they never won, but theyve never even made it past the Sporting Group. Going into this years show, which starts today, Labradors are once again the underdogs of the competition with odds set at 450-to-1 of winning, according to the Wall Street Journal.
One reason for their unpopularity in the competition could be their lack of a longer coat and quick gait, two things that usually catch the eye of a judge, writes the WSJs Ben Cohen. Their personalities are equally un-flashy, as Labs characteristically do not vie for the spotlight with their human handlers.
Others blame the high standard of the Labrador breed set in 1994 by the Labrador Retriever Club. Dogs at the Westminster competition are not compared against one another, but against their breed standards. The Labs in particular are known for their rigid appearance guidelines, and can be disqualified for a number of minor traits including: having a pink nose, deviating a half an inch or a pound from the desired height/weight range, or having a tail that curls or is deemed too long or short.