Sage, a female miniature poodle, won best in show at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, chosen by judge Rosalind Kramer. Sage’s handler, Kaz Hosaka, shared that he had been competing in Westminster for 45 years and considered this his last show. The dog emerged victorious from the non-sporting group competition, with Hosaka displaying emotion after the win. Four-year-old female German shepherd Mercedes came in second as reserve best in show. The Westminster Kennel Club was founded in 1877 and has a long history as one of the most prestigious dog shows in the United States.
The journey to best in show competition includes surviving breed and group judging. Dogs compete based on their breed, with breed winners advancing to group judging. Seven groups are represented, from herding to non-sporting, before the winners compete for best in show. Judging is based on an ideal standard for each breed, with judges comparing the dogs to this standard. Separate competitions are held for agility, obedience, and junior showmanship before best in show judging on Tuesday.
The Westminster agility competition saw a mixed-breed dog named Nimble, a border collie-Papillon mix, win for the first time in the competition’s history. Nimble was designated as an “all-American dog,” meaning it was developed in the United States. This recognition showcases the diversity of breeds and mixes that can excel in dog competitions. The agility competition, along with obedience and junior showmanship, add to the excitement leading up to best in show judging.
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is one of the oldest and most prestigious events of its kind in the United States. Held annually since 1877, the show celebrates a wide range of dog breeds and talented handlers. The competition includes various stages, from breed judging to group judging, before crowning a best in show winner. Judges evaluate the dogs based on set standards for each breed, aiming to find the perfect representation of canine excellence.
Kaz Hosaka, the handler of Sage, was emotional after her best in show win, marking a culmination of his decades-long career in dog showing. Sage, with her elegant continental cut and stoic demeanor, impressed the judges and emerged victorious. The traditional atmosphere of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, adds to the history and prestige of the event. The competition remains a favorite among dog enthusiasts and spectators alike.
Overall, the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show celebrated the beauty and skill of dogs from various breeds and backgrounds. From Sage’s best in show win to Nimble’s historic victory in agility, the event showcased the diversity and talent within the world of dog showing. Handlers like Kaz Hosaka and judges like Rosalind Kramer play crucial roles in making the show a success year after year. As one of the longest-running sporting events in the United States, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show continues to be a highlight for dog lovers and enthusiasts around the world.
