The Dogue de Bordeaux comes to Westminster

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Get ready, Westminster watchers: America’s most prestigious dog show hits the airwaves Monday night (despite objection from PETA) on the USA Network and CNBC.

New to Westminster this year is the Dogue de Bordeaux, a large, powerful breed also known as the French Mastiff. (If the name isn’t ringing a bell, think Hooch from the Tom Hanks movie ‘Turner & Hooch.’) The breed became eligible for AKC registration in 2007 but was not eligible for AKC conformation shows until last year.

Male Dogues de Bordeaux (like Darko, featured in the video above) should weigh at least 110 pounds, according to their breed standard; Darko tops the scales at 145 (and females are expected to weigh at least 99). They’re a member of the Working group.

Breed and group competitions for the Hound, Terrier, Non-Sporting and Herding groups will take place Monday, with the Sporting, Toy and Working groups and Best in Show competition on Tuesday. Check out the Westminster website for scheduling information.

Any predictions?

-- Lindsay Barnett

Video: Associated Press