FEEDBACK: David Frei of The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

With the 136th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show approaching (February 13th & 14th at Madison Square Garden), we went behind the scenes with the historic voice of the show, commentator and dog enthusiast, David Frei.

1. Where was the first Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – 136 years ago?

In 1877, the first Westminster Dog Show was held in Gilmore’s Gardens in Madison Square Park. Gilmore’s Gardens would become Madison Square Garden in 1880. Except for a few years for reasons unclear, the Westminster Dog Show has been held at Madison Square Garden every since, one of only three events to have been held in all four iterations of the Garden.

2. What does it mean to your organization to hold this prestigious event at MSG each year?

The world’s greatest dog show and the world’s greatest sporting arena have been perfect partners through the years.

3. What is your most memorable Westminster Dog Show moment?

In 2002, Westminster honored the Search and Rescue Dogs that performed so heroically during the 9/11 tragedy. Dogs and their handlers took part in a moving ceremony that had the audience on its feet and millions in the live telecast riveted to their sets at home.

4. What new dog breeds can we expect this year in the competition?

Six new breeds in competition in 2012: the Entlebucher Mountain Dog, the Norwegian Lundehund, the Xoloitzcuintli, the Finnish Lapphund, the Cesky Terrier and the American English Coonhound makes a total of 185 breeds and varieties in competition.

5. Besides the Dog Show, what other events have you been to at Madison Square Garden?

Knicks and Rangers games, various concerts, The Millrose Games, The National Horse Show, The Cat Show, and a few others.

6. Do you think cats and dogs will ever get along?

I am surprised by how many cats and dogs actually do get along. But there will probably always be a little edginess to the relationship.

7. What are your favorite pet friendly restaurants to go to in New York City?

We have our favorites, but I think I will refrain from mentioning any names because the city health department seems to be unreasonable cracking down on sidewalk cafes that welcome dogs. Our government should learn a little from our friends in Europe. I mean, my dogs are at my feet in my own dining room, and I have survived.

8. Are you on either Twitter or Facebook? Which do you prefer?

I am on both Facebook and Twitter. Being a longwinded PR and TV guy, I prefer Facebook.

9. If you were stranded on a desert island, and only had one dog to bring, which one would it be?

An orange-and-white one (I have a Cavalier and a Brittany, both of them are orange-and-white, of course).

10. Which of these do you have on your ipod? – Three Dog Night, Snoop Dogg, Bloodhound Gang or Pitbull?

Three Dog Night. Wow, I’m getting old. And I don’t care if I ever hear “Who Let The Dogs Out” ever again on one of my TV appearances.

 
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SEE: MSG Dogs Headquarters