No. 63

Most dog shows look, sound and smell alike. The Westminster Kennel Club's dog show, held annually in Manhattan's Madison Square Garden, is no exception. But it is the oldest exhibition of its kind in the U. S., and it is attended each year by the cream of U. S. registered dogs and certified socialites. Although this year's show, the 63rd, had far fewer entries than Cruft's of Great Britain (3,415 to 8,839), its 96 breeds outnumbered Cruft's 90.

Fashion decreed the entry this year of more cocker spaniels, last year's favorites, than of any other breed; but No. 63 differed in few other respects from its predecessor. Only upset was the choice of "best in the show," which a two-year-old wonder dog, Ch. Nornay Saddler, an English-bred, smooth-haired fox terrier, had been expected to win. In the 31 years best-in-show has been named, fox terriers have won 14 times. Last year Nornay Saddler created a U. S. best-in-show record with 39 successive wins.

As Judge George Steadman Thomas eyed the six class* champions' carriage, gait and spirit, felt their shoulders, briskets and coats, the crowd watched Nornay Saddler expectantly. But Judge Thomas picked Ferry von Rauhfelsen, a German-bred Doberman pinscher.

Because every day Ferry had not only barked but tried to bite his admirers, he had not made a popular hit. Nevertheless, dog show audiences being what they are, the decision was roundly cheered. Said Mr. Thomas: "If there was anything I didn't like about him, it was that I couldn't touch the devil."

*Sporting, Non-Sporting, Working, Hounds, Toys, Terriers.

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