Local pup to invited to compete in international Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

MANCHESTER, NH – At nearly three years old, Glen of Imaal Terrier Brigid has already acquired multiple titles, and has even achieved the status of grand champion since she started competing in dog shows at six-months old.

On Feb. 11 – two days after her third birthday – Brigid will face her toughest, and most prestigious, challenge yet when she competes in the international Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

“I’ve shown various dogs – a Black Russian, a Great Dane – and this is the dog that I’ve gone farthest with,” said her owner Linda Seabury. “She’s my star.”

According to Seabury, the key to Brigid’s success is her breeding and training.

At dog shows, dogs go through conformation, where judges see how well each dog compares to the American Kennel Club (AKC) standards. Through this process, dogs accumulate points.

A certain amount of points are needed for both a championship and grand championship. However, how dogs gather points is different depending on the breed, and the amount of points needed for titles depends on the part of the country they’re competing in.

“It’s really a dedication of time, having a dog who meets the standards, and learning how to show that and show the dog to the dog’s best advantage,” Seabury said.

Brigid’s talents extend beyond her looks alone, having earned various titles through AKC programs, each tacked onto the end of her registered name, Kilkenny’s Smiling Face DCAT, CGCA, TKI

In the Fast CAT (Coursing Ability Test) program – a 100 yard dash – Brigid has earned 500 points, giving her the title of DCAT.

In the Trick Dog Program she’s earned TKI – tricks intermediate – being able to perform 20 tricks.

CGCA stands for the title of Good Canine Citizen Advanced.

Although already well accomplished, Brigid is working toward additional titles in agility and scent work.

“Brigid’s very smart,” Seabury said. “She’s very fun and very personable.”

So personable, in fact, that she gave a warm greeting to broadcaster Anderson Cooper, whom she met at her first show in Connecticut.

“He ended up holding her and she’s giving him kisses,” Seabury said. “And you wouldn’t know what? My husband didn’t take pictures!”

According to Seabury, working with your dog – even if you’re not competing – helps form an irreplaceable relationship.

“Every training you do affects that relationship because first of all, we work together, we are a partnership,” Seabury said. “The more things you do with your dog, no matter if it’s a pet or one that you’re out competing in things with, the more you work with them and train them, the happier they are and the stronger your bond is together.”

In light of all her achievements, Brigid is just one of her rare breed to be selected to compete in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

“It’s a really big honor. At an international show to be one of nine chosen to be showing is a big deal,” Seabury said. “I don’t expect to be on TV at night as winning the breed, but it’s kind of like the Academy Awards, it’s an honor to be nominated.”

The 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will take place February 8, 10, and 11, 2025 at Madison Square Garden and the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. The full schedule can be found here. Glen of Imaal Terriers are scheduled in Ring 1 at 11:45 on Tuesday February 11.