After 45 years of competing and two best in show winners, veteran handler Kaz Hosaka made a Sage decision as he announced his retirement following his miniature poodle’s win at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Sage became the 11th poodle to win best in show at the event, with only wire fox terriers having more wins. This win was a momentous occasion for Hosaka, who was overjoyed by Sage’s victory. The inky-black poodle performed exceptionally well in the ring, impressing the judges and securing the top prize. Other finalists included a German shepherd named Mercedes, a shih tzu, a giant schnauzer, an Afghan hound, a black cocker spaniel, and a colored bull terrier. Despite fierce competition, Sage emerged as the worthy winner.
During the show, a protester tried to disrupt the event by climbing into the ring with a sign urging people to boycott breeders. Thankfully, security personnel intervened and prevented any disturbance. Police and animal rights group PETA later reported that three demonstrators were arrested, but charges have not been decided yet. The judges praised the final lineup of dogs, commending their excellence. Winners from each breed competed in groups, with the top seven finalists vying for the best in show title. Although there was no cash prize, the best in show winner received a trophy and a permanent place in dog-world history. Dogs competing ranged from Lagotto Romagnolos to Doberman pinschers, charming the audience with their unique personalities and performances.
Some of the standout dogs included a lagotto Romagnolo named Harry who begged for treats from his handler and a vizsla named Fletcher who jumped up on his handler after a spin around the ring. Stache, a Sealyham terrier, garnered attention as a rare breed considered vulnerable to extinction. Despite his impressive wins at national dog shows and terrier competitions, Stache failed to secure a spot in the finals at Westminster. The event showcased a diverse range of breeds, from Chihuahuas to Neapolitan mastiffs, highlighting the distinctive characteristics of each canine competitor.
The Westminster Kennel Club dog show, which dates back to 1877, features traditional purebred judging culminating in the best in show prize. In recent years, the club has incorporated agility and obedience events open to mixed-breed dogs, promoting inclusivity and diversity in the competition. This year, the agility competition saw a border collie-papillon mix named Nimble emerge as the first non-purebred winner. The best in show judge, Rosalind Kramer, expressed gratitude to all dogs, whether they are show dogs or beloved pets, acknowledging the profound impact they have on people’s lives. The event showcased the strong bond between handlers and their dogs, illustrating the dedication and passion of the participants in the canine world.
One of the standout moments at the event was the presence of Shane Jichetti and her 175-pound great Dane, Ralphie, who outweighed her significantly. Despite the challenges of handling a dog of such size, Jichetti emphasized the importance of building a strong bond with one’s pet. Ralphie, described as “so chill” at home, transformed into a focused and poised competitor in the ring, showcasing his harlequin-pattern coat with pride. The event featured a wide array of breeds, from playful Chihuahuas to majestic Neapolitan mastiffs, highlighting the diversity within the canine community. Overall, the Westminster Kennel Club dog show celebrated the unique qualities and talents of each competing dog while fostering a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants.
