Miniature Poodle "Sage" Receives Best in Show Award at Westminster
The sleek, all-black dog stole the non-sporting group's title earlier in the event, becoming a new feminist champion as the first female Best in Show winner since 2020.
Mercedes, the German Shepherd triumphant in the herding group, received a well-deserved second-place crown for the night as Reserve Best in Show.
Since its inception in 1877, the Westminster Dog Show has captivated fans of immaculately groomed pups across the nation, making it the second-oldest continuously held sporting event in the US, after the Kentucky Derby.
Every year, approximately 3,000 dogs and their trainers battle it out in this iconic event. The main competition revolves around how closely purebred dogs resemble their breed's standards. Unexpectedly, there are also competitions in the Masters Agility Championship and the Masters Obedience Championship.
The highlight of the event, however, is the coveted Best in Show award. Seven group winners contend for this esteemed title, each group representing dog breeds with similar traits, resembling a canine constellation. The winners of each group this year were:
Herding: Mercedes the German ShepherdHound: Louis the Afghan HoundNon-sporting: Sage the Miniature PoodleSporting: Micha the Black Cocker SpanielTerrier: Frankie the Bull Terrier (Colored)Toy: Comet the Shih TzuWorking: Monty the Giant Schnauzer
Mind you, the future of these Westminster contenders relies on a very limited group of individuals. A single judge selects the winning dog for each of the seven categories, effectively narrowing the competition down to a few canine stars. In likewise fashion, there is only one judge for Best in Show. This year's winner was Rosalind Kramer, a Kennel Club judge. Being Best in Show's judge meant Kramer was kept in isolation until the final round, unaware of which dogs she'd be adjudicating until she stepped into the ring.
"This is the most spectacular collection of dogs, it's utterly splendid," she remarked, moments before granting the Best in Show title.
Did you know that three US presidents have been patrons of Scottish Terriers? Or that dogs from Canada have won six Westminster "Best in Show" honors?
Yup, but not in 2021. This year's crown will grace a fluffy little lady from Houston, Texas.
"There are no words, I'm so delighted. Great," Sage's breeder and handler Kaz Hosaka said after the win, as he prepares to retire following his 45th Westminster competition. "She seemed a bit uneasy walking in the ring, but then she acclimated and performed beautifully for me. I'm proud of this dog and thank you."
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The victorious Miniature Poodle, Sage, hails from Houston, Texas, making her win a source of pride for her city and breeder. The US has seen a variety of breeds take the Best in Show title, but Sage's win in 2021 marked a significant achievement for US dogs and their handlers.
Source: edition.cnn.com
