The Westminster dog club was founded in 1877 in New York City. The club progress just a quick as the city did becoming one of the greatest dog shows in the country. The club originated as a sporting club, gentleman would come and talk about their accomplishments throughout various shooting sports. Eventually the club bought a kennel for their dogs and shortly after that they created the Westminster Dog Show.
Even at the beginning the show was a huge success, drawing 1,201 dogs and extending an extra day. In the past 127 years the show has only gotten bigger. Bringing in several infamous dog owners such as at the time the Queen of England, the Emperor of Germany, and even J. P. Morgan. Many of the rule and regulations helped create a standard which even predated the American Kennel Club.