MAIN PetsDogs2012 Westminster Dog Show

The xoloitzcuintli, a hairless Mexican breed, is one of six new entries in 2012.

New York goes to the dogs again this year at the historic 136th Westminster Dog Show, with tickets going fast for the Madison Square Garden dog show extravaganza in New York City, scheduled from February 13-14, 2012.

Nationwide, the competition finale on Tuesday traditionally airs on the USA Network in its entirety, beginning at 8PM on February 14, 2012 - Valentine's Day - for a lovefest starring the cutest, handsomest, and otherwise most stunning dog breeds from coast to coast.

This year, Westminster introduces six new breeds to the competition including the American English Coonhound, the Cesky Terrier, the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, the Finnish Lapphund, the Norwegian Lundehund -- and the Xoloitzcuintli, (pronounced SHOH-loh-eets-KWEENT-lee) or the common "show low" -- a hairless breed that is the national dog of Mexico. WESTMINSTER FUN FACT: One of the most buzzed about breeds leading up the show, the Xolo’s name is a combination of Xolotl, an Aztec god, and Itzcuintli, an Aztec word for dog.

All about the Westminster Dog Show

Each year, the show traditionally features more than 2,600 dogs representing more than 165 recognized breeds.

Those without a ticket to the Westminster Dog Show can still see video clips of the breed competition when they are shot and posted on the official Westminster Dog Show site within two hours of each event. This allows viewers to virtually follow the progression of dogs in each breed as they vie to be Best of Breed and win the right to advance to the Group competition and a chance for Best In Show.

Getting to the Show

Madison Square Garden in New York City is easily accessed by public transportation.

By subway, take the 1, 2 or 3 train to 34th Street and 7th Avenue; the A, C, or E train to 34th Street and Eighth Avenue; or the B, D, F, V, N, Q, R, W train to 34th Street and Avenue of the Americas.

By bus - take the M4, M10, M16, M34 and Q32 to Seventh Avenue/Penn Station -

Around the Web, find out more about America's premier 'Top Dog' contest with facts and info on the 2012 competition, show background history, related wallpapers and screen savers, along with related fun facts and trivia about the Westminster Dog Show ...

More about the Westminster Dog Show around the Web:

The Westminster Kennel Club - The official site with a top notch presentation offering the latest dog show news, video (on show days), ticket purchase information, entry requirements, a complete history with archived show records dating back to 1907, an extensive illustrated guide to dog breeds, past year show highlights and an online shop.

USA Network - Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - The complete television program schedule, video clips & previews, and background information for this year's show including community message board, Westminster Dog Show screensaver & wallpapers.

MSG.com - Westminster Dog Show - Eye candy galore at the official venue at Madison Square Garden, where visitors can browse photo galleries and behind-the-scenes shots, including related videos, latest results, and information on this year's show.

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - Easy browsing for the complete schedule at-a-glance plus travel information, maps and directions, nearby hotels and dog runs, and a brief history of the show, from ThePoop.com.

The History of the Westminster Dog Show - Great overview for the dog show newbie featuring an engaging history, the scoring process, and industry and social events surrounding the show.

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