Clarifying Roles at Westminster: Perplexity on Westminster Dog Show Coverage

## Overview The Associated Press (AP) is the world’s largest newsgathering organization, operating as a nonprofit cooperative owned by its member newspapers and broadcasters in the United States[1][7]. It delivers news, photographs, video, and audio to over 1,700 member newspapers, 6,000 broadcasters, and 8,500 other subscribers in 110 countries[1]. AP’s mission is to advance the power of facts through independent, nonpartisan, and fact-based journalism, reaching an estimated four billion people daily[4][7]. ## History AP was founded in 1846 when five New York City newspapers pooled resources to share the cost of covering the Mexican-American War, pioneering the concept of cooperative newsgathering[3][4][8]. Originally known as the New York Associated Press, it expanded as regional groups formed and merged, leading to the modern AP’s incorporation in 1900 after legal and organizational shifts[2][3]. From the start, AP focused on accurate, timely reporting—a tradition that continues today[4][7]. ## Key Achievements AP has been a pioneer in news technology, establishing the first leased telegraph wires for news transmission in 1875 and launching innovative services like APTN (television news) and AP All News Radio[1][5]. Its journalists have won 59 Pulitzer Prizes, including 36 for photography, reflecting a consistent commitment to excellence[7]. AP has reported on every major global event since the mid-19th century, from wars and elections to cultural milestones[4][6]. ## Current Status Today, AP operates nearly 250 bureaus in almost 100 countries, producing approximately 400,000 stories, 80,000 videos, and 1.2 million photos annually[4][7]. It remains financially independent, funded by its members and subscribers rather than government or private ownership, ensuring editorial independence[6][7]. AP’

The **Westminster Kennel Club** is America's oldest non-profit organization dedicated to dog show sports, established in 1877 and headquartered in New York[6]. It operates one of the most prestigious and continuously held sporting events in the United States, second only to the Kentucky Derby in longevity[3]. ## Origins and Founding The organization emerged from an informal gathering of affluent hunting enthusiasts who met regularly at the Westminster Hotel in Manhattan to discuss their dogs and hunting accomplishments[1]. Recognizing the success of dog shows in England and Philadelphia, these gentlemen decided to establish their own show in New York, naming their club after their meeting place[5]. The inaugural Westminster Dog Show took place on May 8-10, 1877, at Gilmore's Garden (the precursor to Madison Square Garden), attracting over 1,200 dogs—a remarkable turnout that required extending the event to four days[2][3]. ## Historical Significance Westminster predates the American Kennel Club by seven years and became the AKC's first admitted member in 1884[3]. The organization helped establish foundational rules and regulations for dog shows, shaping the sport's governance structure[4]. Notable early entries included dogs from prominent figures: General George Custer's Staghounds, Queen Victoria's Deerhounds, and even the Czar of Russia's Siberian Wolfhound[4]. ## Key Achievements The club introduced the prestigious **Best in Show** award in 1907, won three times by a Smooth Fox Terrier named Ch. Warren Remedy—a record unmatched to this day[4]. Westminster also pioneered inclusivity in dog showing, with Anna Whitney becoming America's first female dog show judge in 1888[5]. The organization expanded its scope significantly, introducing new breed groups over