In this Dec. 15, 2012 photo provided by Great Dane Photos, Roo!, a husky mix, goes over an obstacle during agility competition in Orlando, Fla. Roo! will compete at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show's agility competition in February 2014. When the nation’s foremost dog show added an event open to mixed breeds, owners cheered that everydogs were finally having their day. (AP Photo/Great Dane Photos, Amy Johnson) NO SALES
January 25, 2014 - 6:19 AM
NEW YORK, N.Y. - Mixed-breed dogs are getting a paw in the door at the nation's foremost dog show for the first time since the 1800s.
The mutts are allowed to enter a new agility competition at Westminster Kennel Club's elite show in New York next month.
Mixed-breed owners see it as a singular chance to showcase what everyday dogs can do. Animal-rights advocates call it a good step, though it isn't ending their long-standing criticism of a show that they feel champions a myopic view of man's best friend.
Westminster officials say it demonstrates that the show celebrates all dogs. They also say it enhances the 138-year-old show with a rapidly growing, fun-to-watch canine sport.
News from © The Associated Press, 2014