10 Breeds Most Likely to Win the 2014 Westminster Dog Show
By Laura Cross and Shayna Meliker
We're less than a week out from the 2014 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, and we've been waiting patiently for Vegas oddsmaker Johnny Avello to predict which breeds have the best shot at taking Best in Show. This is Avello's eighth year calculating the odds, and he was correct on his No. 1 breed the first year and in 2012.
No one can know exactly what will happen at Madison Square Garden next Tuesday night, but if we were you, we'd keep an eye on these top canine contenders. These breeds made the Wynn's top 10.
SEE ALSO: Westminster Dog Show Makes Historic Change in 2014
No. 10: Standard Poodle
(photo credit: Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography/vetstreet.com)
Johnny Avello and the Wynn predict that the tenth most likely breed to take Best in Show is the Standard Poodle. Known for her poufy, shaved and bouffant coat in the show ring, the last time the Standard Poodle brought home Best in Show was in 1991 with Ch Whisperwind On A Carousel.
Odds: 25 to 1
No. 9: Clumber Spaniel
Nicknamed the "retired gentleman's spaniel," the mischievous and slobbering Clumber Spaniel was one of the nine breeds first recognized by the AKC.
Odds: 22 to 1
No. 8: Russell Terrier
A relative newcomer to Westminster, the Russell Terrier gained full recognition from the AKC in 2012, and in just two years, the breed already has a pretty good shot at winning Best in Show.
Odds: 20 to 1
SEE ALSO: 10 Breeds You Love But Westminster Judges Don't
No. 7: Miniature Pinscher
(photo credit: Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography/vetstreet.com)
The spirited and fearless Miniature Pinscher reigns as the "King of the Toys" but has never won Westminster. Will it be his lucky year?
Odds: 18 to 1
No. 6: Giant Schnauzer
The largest of the Schnauzer breeds, the Giant Schnauzer is an independent-minded working dog bred to drive cattle in Germany.
Odds: 16 to 1
No. 5: Doberman Pinscher
(photo credit: Julie Poole, Animal Photography/vetstreet.com)
The intelligent and courageous Doberman Pinscher gets an unfair reputation as an aggressive dog, but his devoted fans consider him a loving and loyal companion.
Odds: 15 to 1
No. 4: Irish Water Spaniel
Impressively, the Irish Water Spaniel is one of only nine dogs who can claim to be an original American Kennel Club breed. It was first recognized when the AKC began in 1884.
Odds: 14 to 1
No. 3: Old English Sheepdog
(photo credit: Sally Anne Thompson, Animal Photography/vetstreet.com)
It's no surprise that the gorgeous Old English Sheepdog made this list, considering how much the Westminster crowd loved 2013's Reserve Best in Show winner Swagger.
Odds: 12 to 1
SEE ALSO: 5 Most Laid-back Dog Breeds
No. 2: Wire Fox Terrier
The investigative Wire Fox Terrier has double coat, with a topcoat that's thick and harsh to the touch. Sky the Wire Fox Terrier took Best in Show at the 2012 National Dog Show.
Odds: 10 to 1
No. 1: Portuguese Water Dog
(photo credit: Ron Willbie, Animal Photography/vetstreet.com)
According to the odds determined by Johnny Avello and the Wynn, the breed most likely to take Best in Show is the enthusiastic and outgoing Portuguese Water Dog.
Odds: 8 to 1
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