Morris and Essex Dog Show: Morris & Essex Show 1938

There never really has been any show in the world which compared with the original Morris and Essex. It all began when Marcellus Hartley Dodge decided to give his wife a sizable cash gift every year for their anniversary. Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge decided to use the money to put on her own dog show. She formed the Morris and Essex Dog Club, but it’s only real purpose was to host her show and Mrs. Dodge called all the shots. Morris and Essex was the biggest and best of everything. It was larger than Westminster and Crufts. It offered more sterling silver trophies than any other show and they were coupled with sizable cash prizes.

Along with Westminster (which was not restricted to champions only, in those days), Morris and Essex was the big “coming out” show. Breeders would hold back dogs with star potential so they could make their debut at either Morris and Essex or Westminster.

Specialty Ring 1938

Justice Henry Hanna of Dublin 1938

Perhaps our grooming style has changed a bit.