Terriers lead the pack at the National Dog Show
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Terriers have that extra something that gives them a leg up on the competition at the National Dog Show.
Why it matters: Hundreds of canines will compete at the annual event in Philadelphia this weekend, but only one will be crowned "Best in Show."
The big picture: Terriers have won seven "Best in Show" titles at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia's show dating back to 2002, the most of any other breed during that stretch.
- That includes last year's winner, Stache, a Sealyham Terrier from Pennsylvania.
- And two wire fox terriers were back-to-back winners in 2011-12.
What they're saying: "Terriers were bred to be on their toes and look for trouble, so that gives them an advantage," David Frei, a Kennel Club member who provides expert analysis for the show, tells Axios.
- "That's what they were bred to do – chase away rats and varmints. So, it's second nature to them. Judges like that."
Flashback: Other breeds to recently win "Best in Show" include a French bulldog in 2022, a Scottish Deerhouse in 2020 and 2021, and a bulldog in 2019.
👀 What's new: A Lancashire Heller is competing for the first time at the National Dog Show.
- This small member of the Herding Group is a rare breed with about 5,000 worldwide.
By the numbers: More than 1,900 dogs will compete this year.
🎟️ If you go: The National Dog Show runs Saturday-Sunday at the Expo Center in Oaks.
- Tickets are $10-$20. Children younger than 4 can attend for free.
📺 NBC will air the show on Thanksgiving Day from noon-2pm.