Where to watch the 2016 Westminster Dog Show

A French bulldog is seen in the benching area February 15, 2016 in Manhattan during the first day of competition at the Westminster Kennel Club 140th Annual Dog Show. The Best of Show victor will also be announced.

Rickie Roo, a rat terrier, has to trust owner Deborah Davidson Harpur to help her navigate the agility course: The 8-year-old dog has little depth perception because of a genetic disorder.

“It’s the best time of year”, said show spokeswoman Gail Bisher.

Leading up to each show, Johnny Avello, director of race and sports operations for Wynn Las Vegas casino, releases his predictions for winning breeds.

In fact, her first dog, Niko, was trained by her youngest daughter, who was 9 at the time.

No beagle had won the Westminster show until Uno.

More than 3,000 dogs from around the USA were expected to participate 139 years after the very first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show was held in 1877.

Before the competition, Brennan said she was glad for the attention Westminster could bring to the sport of obedience.

Obedience exercises are meant to represent good dog manners, safety needs (like stopping on command before running into the road) and certain herding or hunting skills.

Best in Show is awarded to the dog that most perfectly exemplifies its breed, so there shouldn’t necessarily be any reason that a certain breed would win more often.

Almost 200 breeds and varieties are eligible for this year’s Westminster competition.

The black-and-tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is owned by Kim Hess, of Lancaster, who says Schlott is a natural with the dog. “I try not to get nervous because the dogs will sense that, and then they get nervous, too”.