Horses took center stage during the first weekend of May for the Kentucky Derby. Dogs reign supreme this weekend for the second-longest continuously held sporting event.
That would be the Westminster Dog Show, which is holding its 148th annual event in 2024.
LIVE: Updated results and winners from 2024 Westminster Dog Show
The Westminster features thousands of dogs competing for the coveted Best In Show title. They attempt tricks, show off their agility and obedience and come perfectly groomed to take home that honor.
The whole event is like a dog Olympics, with a fashion show thrown in for good measure.
Indeed, the competing pooches are playing to win, but does winning include a cash prize? Here's what to know about the Westminster Dog Show.
MORE: Full results, breed winners from the 2023 Westminster Dog Show
Westminster Dog Show purse 2024
The Westminster Dog Show may be one of the most prestigious events in the canine world, but the dogs and their owners don't receive much of a reward for winning it. They get trophies, ribbons and bragging rights, but winners receive no cash prizes for their performances.
The pooches that emerge victorious won't mind missing out on the cash, but they will be upset if they don't at least get treats for their efforts. Westminster seems likely to have plenty of those at the ready.
How much does the Best in Show winner make?
The Best in Show winner does not receive a cash prize. Much like an unpaid internship, the winner is paid with the experience of having won, even if that isn't easy on the bank account.
The winners of the agility and obedience contests do receive monetary prizes of $5,000, but it isn't for them. The victor must donate the $5,000 prize to either a training club of the winner's choice or to the to the American Kennel Club Humane Fund.
So the Westminster Dog Show is indeed all about the bragging rights.
How much does it cost to enter a dog in the Westminster Dog Show?
The good news is that it doesn't cost much to enter the Westminster Dog Show. The entry fee is just $100, per Yahoo Finance.
But that doesn't cover the costs of preparing for that show. Owners sometimes shell out as much as $250,000 to ensure their dogs are ready, Yahoo reported. This requires hiring a handler, covering grooming and medical costs, travel and much, much more.
It may seem like a bargain to enter the Westminster Dog Show, but with no cash prize, the whole endeavor can be a lot more expensive than most realize.
Who won the Westminster Dog Show in 2023?
Buddy Holly won the Westminster Dog Show in 2023. Named after the rock and roll pioneer who famously died in a 1959 plane crash, Holly (the dog) became the first Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (PBGV) to win the event. His owner, Janice Hayes, served as his handler for the event.
Holly beat more than 2,500 dogs and 200 different breeds to take home the Best in Show honor.