A miniature poodle named Sage has been declared “Best in Show” at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
The four-year-old all-black pooch bested six finalists for the title, becoming the first female since 2020, and the fourth miniature poodle to claim Westminster’s top prize. Sage, took the show ring with veteran handler, Kaz Hosaka.
Mercedes, a female German shepherd dog, took the second honors of “Reserve Best in Show.” The other group winners were:
- Hound Group: Louis the Afghan Hound
- Toy group: Comet the Shih Tzu
- Non-sporting group: Sage the Miniature Poodle
- Herding group: Mercedes the German Shepherd
- Sporting group: Micha the Black Cocker Spaniel
- Woking group: Monty the Giant Schnauzer
- Terrier group: Frankie the Bull Terrier (Colored)
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the second-longest, continuously held sporting event in the U.S., next to the Kentucky Derby. The show aims to celebrate the companionship of dogs, and promote responsible ownership and breed preservation.