Not everyone has pure breed dogs, I fact, few dogs – including mine – are a single breed and that’s a good thing.

However, some people are deeply committed to a breed, and that’s a good thing too. You can’ t have too much dog love and that’s why I love attending the Westminster Dog Show (hopefully) every year. So much unapologetic enthusiasm for dogs here (and so many people with barking ringtones).

The American Kennel Club (AKC) hosts the elaborate and iconic Westminster Dog Show annually, for almost a decade and a half and that’s no small feat. In fact, it’s older than all other US sporting shows except the Kentucky Derby. So take that Superbowl.

This year, sponsored by Purina ProPlan, the AKC Westminster Dog Show moved out of its historic home of Madison Square Gardens in the middle of mid-town Manhattan and burrowed into Queens: The USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Stadium in Flushing Meadow Park to be exact – more on that choice soon.

First, night one of Westminster Dog Show – yes, there’s two nights (watch for tomorrow’s Best In Show Announcement). That’s the night we find out which dog won the Hound Group, the Toy Group, The Non-Sporting Group (a catch-all class), and The Herding Group. All the dogs in the ring won their breed classes during the afternoon judging.

Who won the Hound Group a the AKC 147th Westminster Dog Show?

Fun facts: Most hound breeds in this group were originally bred for hunting making them valuable partners to ancient human survival. Many in this group are either scent hounds or sight hounds indicating their preferred method of tracking.

And the winner of the Westminster Dog Show Hound Group is the Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen named Buddy Holly.

• Following in second to fourth place are the following:
• Afghan Hound named Zaida
• Borzois named Ringo Star named Horse and Hound Full of Hope
• English Foxhound named Monocacy Bend’s Lady of the Chase

Who won the Toy Group a the AKC 147th Westminster Dog Show?

Fun fact: Most of the breeds in the Toy Group were breed specifically to be companion animals, and some breeds (like the chin) date back centuries indicating the human love for canine cuddles has been with us for a long time.

And the winner of the Westminster Dog Show Toy Group is the Pekingese named Pequest Rum Dum (or Rummie to his friends).

• Following in second to fourth place are the following:
• Shih Tzu named Hallmark Jole Out of This World
• English Toy Spaniels (Blenheim & Prince Charles) named Ringo Star
• Japanese Chin named Tacori

Who won the Non-Sporting Group a the AKC 147th Westminster Dog Show?

Fun fact: The Sporting Group is made up of diverse dog breeds that don’t neatly into any other category. Part of this group is the French Bulldog (the Frenchie to fans) as the most popular dog breed in the United States surpassing the Lab that held that title for decades.

And the winner of the Westminster Dog Show Non-Sporting Group is the French Bulldog named Fox Canyon’s!

• Following in second to fourth place are the following:
• Standard poodle named Halifax Hightide
• Bulldog named Cherokee Legend Encore
• Bichon Frise named Neverland Stars

Who won the Herding Group a the AKC 147th Westminster Dog Show?

Fun facts: The Herding Group now has 35 breed members now tying it with the Non-Sporting group for the number of dog breeds eligible to compete in this category thanks to the addition of a new breed called the Bracco Italiano (more about that breed on dogtrotting.net soon). Also, only two herding breeds have won Best in Show since the group was created in the 1980s.

And the winner of the Westminster Dog Show Herding Group is the Australian Shepherd named That’s a Wrap!

• Following in second to fourth place are the following:
• Bouviers des Flandres named Ace’s Chain Reaction
• Shetland Sheepdog named Rosmoor Afterglow
• German Shepard named Hammersmith Heathcliff

The 147th Westminster Dog Show Venue Problem

Finally, as promised a word about the new venue. While the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Flushing Meadow Park is shiny new, clean and comfortable on a sunny spring day (that was lucky), and the Arthur Ash Stadium comfortable if you’re close to the ring, Queens is a challenging location. Yes, it is on the #7 subway line which goes directly to midtown Manhattan – in about half an hour.

However, there are no hotels within walking distance, unlike Madison Square Gardens. Close to midnight is not the time to be walking 6 to 8 blocks from the subway stop in either Manhattan or Queens and directing people into the dark unlight Flushing Meadows Park to try and catch an Uber or Lyft was ridiculous.

Local cab companies didn’t come here and only willing Uber drivers (fortunately, mine) are willing to brave the maze of streets it takes to get the only door stadium staff were letting people leave from.

Location (and safety) is an issue, folks. And considering the first night of the 147th Westminster Dog Show was only one quarter full, many people agreed with me. Let’s hope for a return to the traditional venue next year.

I’m Sherri Telenko, a professional writer for 30 years and travel writer for the last 20. I’m a member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada) and Dog Writers Association of America. I’ve lived with cats, dogs, horses and guinea pigs all my life, and I travel almost weekly with my canine companion, Victoria.