Sage, a miniature poodle, won the top prize at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in the United States, marking the end of veteran handler Kaz Hosaka’s 45-year career. This was his third best in show dog and he plans to retire after this victory. Sage’s win was the 11th for poodles at Westminster, with wire fox terriers holding the record for most wins. The last miniature poodle to win was Spice in 2002.
In the final round of competition, Sage beat out six other finalists, including Mercedes the German shepherd, previous best in show winner Kent Boyles, and other highly ranked dogs such as Comet the shih tzu and Monty the giant schnauzer. A protester tried to disrupt the final round by climbing into the ring with a sign calling for a boycott of breeders, but was promptly removed by security. Three demonstrators were arrested.
The Westminster dog show features a lineup of champions competing for the best in show title. Dogs first compete against others of their breed, then against winners from each group, leading to the final round with seven finalists. The winner receives a trophy and a place in dog world history, but no cash prize. Additionally, the event includes agility and obedience events that are open to mixed-breed dogs.
There were several standout dogs in the competition that earned praise and cheers from spectators. A lagotto Romagnolo named Harry sat up and begged for treats, a vizsla named Fletcher charmed the audience by jumping on its handler, and other dogs like Sebastian the great Pyrenees and Emilio the Doberman pinscher also drew applause. Dogs that didn’t make it to the finals, such as Stache the Sealyham terrier, showcased rare and lesser-known breeds at the event.
The event showcases a diverse range of dog breeds, from the small Chihuahua to the large Neapolitan mastiff, with handlers of all sizes showing their dogs in the ring. Shane Jichetti, a handler, showed off her 175-pound great Dane named Ralphie, highlighting the special bond between them. The Westminster show, dating back to 1877, has added agility and obedience events in recent years, opening up the competition to mixed-breed dogs like Nimble, the border collie-papillon mix who won the agility competition.
Overall, the Westminster Kennel Club dog show is a celebration of purebred dogs and their handlers, as well as a showcase of rare and unique breeds. The event highlights the special bond between dogs and their handlers, as well as the dedication and skill required to compete at the highest level. Despite the competitive nature of the show, the focus is on celebrating all dogs, whether they are show dogs or beloved pets, as they bring joy and fulfillment to their owners’ lives.
