Miniature Poodle Wins Best in Show at 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

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The Miniature Poodle “Sage” took home the highest title of Best in Show at the 148^th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan. Under Judge Rosalind Kramer of High Point, North Carolina, America’s most prestigious dog show came to a close at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on May 14.

Sage, a 3-year-old female of Houston, Texas, officially known as GCHG CH Surrey Sage, is handled by Kaz Hosaka and owned by Cathy Gauche. Sage bested a field of over 2,500 entered dogs among seven group finalists to win the coveted Best in Show title on May 14 after two days of Best of Breed, Group and Best in Show competition.

After bringing Sage to a Best in Show victory, Hosaka announced he is retiring from shows after 45 Westminster Dog Shows. Hosaka last won Best in Show in 2002 with a Miniature Poodle named “Spice.”

The German Shepherd “Mercedes,” officially known as GCHG CH Kaleef’s Mercedes, won Reserve Best in Show with handler, Kent Boyles.

The Westminster Kennel Club, established in 1877, is America’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of showing dogs. It hosts the iconic, all-breed Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the second-longest, continuously held sporting event in the U.S. after the Kentucky Derby and, since 1948, the longest nationally televised live dog show. The Club’s mission is to enhance the lives of all dogs by celebrating the companionship of dogs and promoting responsible dog ownership and breed preservation. The Westminster Kennel Club advocates for purpose-bred dogs, with an understanding that each breed has a legacy and history that deserves to be taught, honored, and preserved. The Westminster Kennel Club uses education to raise awareness and encourage owners to conscientiously select dogs that are the right match for their families. The annual dog show — a conformation competition for purpose-bred dogs — and the Masters Agility Championship and Masters Obedience Championship — where dogs from all backgrounds are eligible to compete — make Westminster Week, with thousands of dogs from the U.S. and around the world, a pinnacle experience for any dog lover.

(Photos courtesy of Getty Images for The Westminster Kennel Club)