The Westminster Kennel Club today announced a number of changes for its annual show February 13-14, 2012 at Madison Square Garden in New York City made necessary because of the ongoing renovation work at the Garden.

Most notable of these changes is a reduced show limit of 2,000 entries, a direct result of the loss of benching space in the Expo Center during the renovation project. The entry limit had changed on occasion since the show's inception in 1877, but has been 2,500 since 1982. That entry limit has always been reached very quickly each year.

"We are encouraged that, upon completion, the Garden's renovation will provide more benching space and an efficient setup for our show," said Westminster Show Chairman Thomas H. Bradley, 3d. "But for now, we have to make some adjustments that are in the best interests of the dogs and the competitors, while continuing to provide reasonable access for spectators, as well."

Entry procedures will remain the same as in recent years, with the top five dogs in each breed or variety (in breed points for the first ten months of 2011) being invited to pre-enter, with the remaining entry slots being filled in an open process. There are 185 breeds and varieties eligible for Westminster in 2012. Entry rules will be available in the premium list posted on the Westminster website in October.

The Club also announced that all breed judging and benching for the Toy breeds on Monday and the Terrier breeds on Tuesday will take place in the theater in the Madison Square Garden complex. Preliminary judging in Junior Showmanship will also take place in the theater.

All Group competition and the Junior Showmanship finals will still be held in the main arena.

The exhibitor entrance for all dogs remains the same as in the past.

The Alternative Benching Format first used in 2011 will once again have breeds groomed at their benching areas. Additional details will be available on the website and in the Premium List, and diagrams will be mailed with the Judging Program.