The 132nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, in Madison Square Garden, begins today and culminates on Tuesday, February 12 with the selection of the Best of Show. First held in 1877, the Westminster is America’s second longest continuously held sporting event.

The American Kennel Club recognizes 157 distinct dog breeds and this year, for the first time since 1991, four new breeds will be introduced at the Westminster show: the Tibetan Mastiff, the Beauceron, the Plott Hound, and the Swedish Vallhund. For an interactive video and an article about the new breeds go to http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/09/sports/09dogs.html?_r=1&oref=slogin.

For a schedule of classes, in case you want to track your favorite breeds, and also for streaming video, go to www.westminsterkennelclub.org. The show will also be televised; check for local listings.