Calgary’s Doc, a seasoned show dog, has returned home after another major triumph on the world stage at the 2024 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York. The five-and-a-half-year-old boxer, along with his owner, Sheila McAvoy, recently competed at the prestigious event, where Doc won the breed for the second consecutive year. This remarkable achievement is a testament to Doc’s talent and tireless dedication, and it caps a long string of successes for the championship boxer.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is an annual event that brings together thousands of dogs from all over the world to compete in a fierce competition. There is no prize money for winning Westminster; instead, the coveted title brings with it eternal glory in the dog show community, as well as potential lucrative breeding rights and cherished memories. The show is akin to the Olympics of the dog world, with its global reach and immense prestige.
McAvoy expressed her pride in Doc’s accomplishments, stating that he has a remarkable ability to connect with people, particularly children and the elderly. She plans to spend more quality time with her beloved companion now that he is retiring from the show ring. Doc’s gentle nature and unwavering loyalty have brought immeasurable joy to McAvoy and her family, and they are eager to embark on the next chapter of their lives together.
At the recent Westminster show, Sage, a miniature poodle, captured the top prize, best in show, outperforming six other finalists. The competition featured a diverse range of breeds, including a German shepherd, a shih tzu, a giant schnauzer, an Afghan hound, a black cocker spaniel, and a colored bull terrier. Over 2,500 dogs from 200 breeds and varieties participated in the event, each judged according to their adherence to the ideal breed standard.
