NEW YORK -— The world’s top human competitors know when they win. Every single person on a professional court or rink or diamond can…
NEW YORK -— The world’s top human competitors know when they win.
Every single person on a professional court or rink or diamond can boast unfathomable drive and the confidence that comes with a long history of success at every level they’ve endeavored. If LeBron James, for whatever reason, stepped onto the asphalt for some pickup hoops, he would understand that the mortals in his midst stood no chance of besting him.
But what about dogs? Do they even know they’re competing?
« He knows, » said Bob Young of his Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Zack. « You can see the look on the face. Plus, he likes the applause. You can see he changes his performance when he’s getting a lot of applause. »
The elite canines vying for honors at the annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show are no average mutts. These are the very best dogs in the world, not your pup for whom competition means a half-hearted game of tug-of-war with the rope toy that ends abruptly when the doorbell rings.
These dogs patiently abide being sprayed with high-end hair-care products while your own dog resists the spray of that stuff that keeps it from licking its own backside. Westminster dogs wear no cones of shame, only ribbons of triumph.
But do they care?
DIET OF CHAMPIONS: What do Westminster show dogs eat?
WESTMINSTER’S WISEST: Just look at these wise-looking dogs
FOR THE WIN: What fans are talking about
To their owners and handlers, there is no doubt: Champion show dogs know when they’re participating in events like this one and rise to the spotlight.
