It was a wonderful night.
Dapper poodle Sage won the title of “Best in Show” at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday night.
A 3-year-old miniature poodle from Houston beat out more than 3,000 other puppies to take home the top prize during three days of competitive competition at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens.
“I have no words,” said handler Kaz Hosaka, who revealed that after 45 years in the ring, this year’s Westminster will be his last.
The Best in Show award was Hosaka’s second award. He led another miniature poodle, Spice, to the trophy in 2002.
“I’m very happy and excited,” Hosaka said, adding that the uniquely styled pup “showed a great performance.”
Sage, who has giant ’80s-style hair, is joined by German shepherd Mercedes, Shih Tzu Comet, Afghan dog Lewis, and black cocker, which show judge Rosalind Kramer called “absolutely amazing” breeds. – Meeka the Spaniel, Monty the Giant Schnauzer, and Frankie the Colored Bull Terrier.
Monty was initially thought to be the favorite to win, but the arena was shocked when he was squeezed out of the top two behind Sage and Mercedes. The latter won the reserve best of the show.
They are judged on which one best fits the breed’s “standard,” or ideal.
More than 200 dog breeds first competed against other breeds of the same breed. The winner of each breed then competes against the other breeds in that “group”, with the top seven winners of the group competing in the final round.
Sage advanced to the final round, beating out 21 other dogs competing in non-sporting groups.
The Best in Show winner receives a trophy and a chance to make their mark in canine history, but there is no prize money.
Sage’s victory marks the 11th victory for poodles of various sizes at the most prestigious canine event in the United States, the last time being held in 2020.
with post wire
