A miniature poodle named Sage emerged as the winner of the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, marking the 11th victory for poodles in the prestigious event. This win was the second best in show for handler Kaz Hosaka, who expressed his joy and excitement at the victory. Sage beat out six other finalists, including a German shepherd, shih tzu, giant schnauzer, Afghan hound, black cocker spaniel, and colored bull terrier. The competition took place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, with all finalists being champions in the sport’s point system.
One of the finalists, Monty, a giant schnauzer and a top-ranked dog, was described as solid, powerful, and spirited by his handler Katie Bernardin. Monty’s spirited nature made him a challenging breed to own, but Bernardin emphasized the bond they shared and the dedication required to compete at such a high level. Another finalist, a rare Sealyham terrier named Stache, represented a breed considered vulnerable to extinction even in its native Britain. Stache’s co-owner and handler, Margery Good, has bred Sealyham terriers for decades and emphasized their courageous yet comedic nature.
The Westminster Kennel Club dog show features dogs competing first against others of their breed before advancing to group and final rounds. The best in show winner receives a trophy and a place in dog-world history, but no cash prize. The competition serves as a platform for purebred judging and showcases a diverse range of breeds and sizes. Handlers with dogs of various sizes and breeds congregate at the event, creating a unique contrast in canine appearances.
Shane Jichetti, a co-owner of a 175-pound great Dane named Ralphie, shared her experience showing such a large animal. Despite Ralphie’s size, he is described as chill and playful, making him a well-suited show dog. The Westminster show, which has been a tradition since 1877, has expanded to include agility and obedience events open to mixed-breed dogs. This year, the agility competition saw its first non-purebred winner, a border collie-papillon mix named Nimble, highlighting the inclusivity of the event.
Overall, the Westminster Kennel Club dog show is a celebration of purebred dogs and showcases the bond between handlers and their canine companions. The event brings together a diverse range of breeds, sizes, and personalities, demonstrating the beauty and uniqueness of each dog. Handlers like Kaz Hosaka, Katie Bernardin, Margery Good, and Shane Jichetti share their passion for their dogs and the dedication required to compete at the highest level. The Westminster show continues to be a prestigious event in the dog world, honoring the tradition of purebred judging while embracing inclusivity and diversity.
