From beagles to borzois, a parade of thousands of pampered pooches kicked off the world’s most famous dog competition at the world’s most famous arena yesterday.
More than 170 breeds got their moment in the Madison Square Garden spotlight on the first day of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show — an event that’s been around longer than the Brooklyn Bridge.
There are 2,500 dogs competing at the two-day contest for the coveted title of Best in Show, which will be bestowed tonight.
Although much of the attention focused on a 4-year-old Scottish terrier named Sadie, some of the new breeds generated buzz.
Three made their debut at the show, including the Norwegian buhund, which was bred as a farm dog by Vikings as far back as the 10th century.
“This is an ancient breed and the foundation for some of the other breeds that are already recognized,” said Lisa Donnelly, 50, of Marlboro, Conn., whose 18-month- old buhund, Lola, took the prize for Best of Breed. But Lola lost out to a puli named Field of Dreams in the herding group last night.
Other group winners were Chanel, a whippet, who was the top hound; Walker, a white poodle, who won the toy group; and Bru, a French bulldog, who was best among the nonsporting dogs.
A Manhattan canine was among the breed winners earlier in the day. Janet York’s 6-year-old dog, Mondrian, was named best of the cavalier King Charles spaniel breed, before losing out in the toy group.
Mondrian enjoys walks in Central Park, shopping at Bloomingdale’s and play dates with his doggy pals in his Upper East Side apartment, York said.