The 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is taking place this week at Madison Square Garden.
The champions of four groups took place Monday. The remaining three and Best of Show will be crowned Tuesday.
Hounds group
The hounds group was captured by a Norwegian Elk Hound., GCH CH Vin-Melca's Daggarwood Delight.
She was born Oct. 18, 2012, and was bred by Nicole Casavechia and Kevin Richard, She is owned by Patricia V. Trotter.
Q: Pat, you’ve had such a storied career, what does this win mean to you?
A: What it means is that her grandmother won the group here in 1994 and 1995 and that was Marquetta. ... and Marquetta’s mother won the group in 1989 and 90, so this is a wonderful female family and that means a lot to me as a breeder.
Toy Group
The Toy Group was won by GCHB CH Pequest Pickwick, a Pekingese, who was handled by David Fitzpatrick.
Q: David, this is not your first time doing this, what was it about this dog that made you realize he had something really special?
A: "Well, I've sort of known since he was a puppy; I wasn't really going to campaign any more dogs, and then I got this dog, and I thought I have to go to dog shows because he was such a great little dog. He's just a correct Pekingese and he's got the charisma."
Non-Sporting Group
This group's title was earned by the miniature poodle, GCHB CH Danfour Avalon As If owned by Daniel Chavez, James Moses and Janet Moseso
Q: Was there ever a time in the ring when you thought, "Wow, I might just win this!"
A: "Honestly, no, there are so many top dogs in here, and I'm so proud of her," owner/breeder/handler Chavez said. "I know how beautiful she is, but to think you're going to win the Group at Westminster is so further than I would think of as anything that could happen."
Herding group
The final group of Day One went to a German Shepherd, Rumor.
Rumor is a 6-year-old who is from Wisconsin and has had great success at Westminster in past shows.
Rumor was born in a litter of six in November 2011. She was bred by Kent Boyles and Pam McElheney of Maumee, Ohio. Rumor's registered name is Grand Champion Lockenhaus' Rumor Has It V Kenlyn.
