At the recently concluded Westminster Kennel Club dog show, Sage, a miniature poodle, stole the spotlight and took home the top prize, making it the 11th victory for poodles at the prestigious event. The final round of the competition featured seven finalists, with the second-place spot taken by Mercedes, a German shepherd.
Veteran handler Kaz Hosaka, who has two best in show wins under his belt, made a bittersweet announcement at the event – his retirement after an impressive 45 years of competing. Judge Rosalind Kramer praised the final lineup as “excellent” and “glorious”, showcasing the diversity of breeds in competition.
However, not all was smooth sailing at the event, as demonstrators attempted to disrupt the show, resulting in three arrests by security personnel. Despite this hiccup, the spotlight was on the dogs and their handlers, with lesser-known breeds like the Sealyham terrier also making a mark during the competition.
While purebred judging has traditionally been the focus of the Westminster show, the addition of agility and obedience events has brought more diversity to the competition. This year, the agility competition saw its first non-purebred winner in Nimble, a border collie-papillon mix.
The event was not just a competition, but also a celebration of the special bond between dogs and their handlers, showcasing different breeds, sizes, and personalities. The Westminster Kennel Club dog show truly highlighted the beauty and variety of dogs in the canine world.
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