A Busy Life for Show Dogs and Their Owners

Looking great isn’t exactly a walk in the park.

Kennedy Green, like many kids her age, is juggling homework and hanging out with friends. But after school, she dives into her responsibility for Lincoln, her award-winning Pekingese show dog, who is set to compete at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York City this year.

Taking care of Lincoln is no small feat—think grooming, bathing, training, and all the exercise he needs. Some days, Kennedy and her classmates spend over two hours catering to his every whim.

This commitment has its downsides; Kennedy misses out on social events and other activities. “Most of the time, while my friends are out having fun, I’m stuck home preparing for dog shows or washing Lincoln,” she shared, with a hint of shyness.

“Pekingese dogs are bred to lounge around, not for treadmill runs,” her mother, Shannon, explained. To give Lincoln enough exercise, Kennedy has to get quite inventive. Shannon often drives them long distances to dog shows and accompanies them on cross-country trips.

The trio will be off to the Big Apple Adventure and the Westminster events at the Javits Center and Madison Square Garden, where Lincoln will be rather comfortable in a carrier while also keeping cool on a block of ice—something crucial for this breed.

While Kennedy is busy with her studies ringside, Lincoln will dazzle alongside other show dogs at this renowned competition, marking its 150th anniversary.

Meanwhile, in the city, James Morrissey and his wife, Chauncey Keohoe, are showcasing their Finnish Lapphunds without much hassle since they live nearby. However, staying competitive requires a packed schedule—from the grueling to the glamorous.

Mornings start early for them, with long walks in the park to keep the dogs entertained while Morrissey works from home.

Like the Greens, they’ve made lifestyle changes to prioritize their pets. “We used to travel a lot. Now, we mainly go where the dogs can join us,” he explained, and it seems he’s found himself cooking meat to satisfy his dogs’ nutritional needs, despite being a vegetarian.

With rising food costs, he admits, “Dogs certainly add to our grocery bill.” The couple provides a carefully curated menu for Wyatt and Logan, focusing on lean meats and special kibble that can set them back quite a bit financially.

Along with quality food, both dogs get routine vet checkups and vaccinations. Their grooming needs are more than just regular baths—they each require special products and careful brushing due to their double coats.

Life in Manhattan almost demands unique solutions, especially when it comes to “toilet training.” Morrissey jokes about the time it takes for the elevator to reach their floor, complicating outdoor trips for bathroom breaks.

Both dogs have thrived in competition, with Wyatt recently earning a national ranking among Finnish Lapphunds, while Logan secured honors in regional contests.

Meanwhile, Natalie Moutussis, another New Yorker, shares a different approach with her Rhodesian ridgeback, Kai. Despite his impressive pedigree, Kai enjoys a laid-back lifestyle.

Moutussis describes their mornings: leisurely breakfasts followed by strolls in Central Park. After some exercise, he usually naps at home, and occasionally runs impressive distances when the weather’s nice.

While Rhodesian ridgebacks have a history of hunting lions, Kai seems to channel his instincts into chasing toy squirrels instead, much to Moutussis’ amusement.

She takes pride in preparing fresh, human-quality meals for him and does the grooming herself, finding it less burdensome than her previous experience with another breed, which required costly professional care.

Despite having a luxurious lifestyle in their large apartment, Kai is adored by everyone around, and Moutussis has not faced criticism for raising show dogs in the city. “People find it interesting,” she stated, noting the excitement among New Yorkers when discussing Westminster. The anticipation is palpable as the competition approaches.

Kai’s journey began during the pandemic when Moutussis took the opportunity to explore her passion for show dogs more seriously. He quickly won accolades in his first competitions and now participates in around eight to ten shows a year.

As she reflects on their journey, Moutussis finds joy in the quiet moments when Kai puts on a good show, maintaining his posture and eyeing the judge eagerly.

But once he’s off the leash, it’s back to simple pleasures—nothing beats a cuddle with his owners on the couch.

“Honestly, he thinks he’s smaller than he is,” Moutussis chuckled. “He’s a huge part of my life.”

Tickets for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show can be purchased from Ticketmaster, with prices ranging from $58 to $90.