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Sage, a miniature poodle, won the Best in Show award at the 2024 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
The all-black furball asserted her non-sports group early on at the event, becoming the first female Best in Show winner since 2020 and solidifying her status as a new feminist hero.
German Shepherd Mercedes, winner of the Sheep Group, took home second honor of the night as the show’s Best Reserve.
Poodles have an impressive record at Westminster. To date, 12 standard poodles have won the top prize. There were also 43 participants of poodles of all sizes, making him one of the most represented breeds at this year’s event.
But Sage is more than just a poodle. She is a miniature she-poodle and is the fourth of her kind to win Best in Show at Westminster.
Kenna Betancourt/AFP/Getty Images
Sage, a miniature poodle from Houston, Texas, won Best in Show at the 2024 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City.
The Westminster Dog Show has been entertaining well-groomed puppy lovers since 1877 and is the second oldest continuously running sporting event in the United States, after the Kentucky Derby.
Approximately 3,000 dogs and their handlers compete in this prestigious show each year. The main competition focuses on how well a purebred dog fits the standards of its breed. Dogs from all backgrounds also compete in the Masters Agility Championship and Masters Obedience Championship.
Of course, Best in Show is the real gem of the event. The winning dog will be chosen from among the seven winning dogs in the group. Each group is made up of breeds with similar characteristics, a kind of canine astrology. This year’s group winners are:
Pastoral group: german shepherd mercedes
Hound group: Louis the Afghan Hound
Non-sports groups: miniature poodle sage
Sports group: Mika the black cocker spaniel
Terrier group: Frankie the bull terrier (color)
Toy group: Shih Tzu Comet
Walking group: Monty the Giant Schnauzer
Those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the great dog show may be surprised to learn that the fate of the Westminster nominees rests in the hands of just a few people. He only has one judge in each of the seven groups to decide the winner, and the top one (figuratively) is chosen out of hundreds of horses. Similarly, he is the only judge on Best in Show. This year’s honor went to Kennel Club judge Rosalind Kramer. As a Best in Show judge, Kramer was quarantined before the final round and didn’t know which dog he would be judging until he was in the ring.
“This is the most amazing lineup of dogs. It’s just amazing,” she said before announcing Best in Show.
Learn fun facts about dogs at the Westminster Dog Show, like three U.S. presidents owned Scottish terriers and Canadian dogs hold six Westminster “Best in Show” titles It’s the perfect place.
But this year is different. This year’s crown will be worn by a fluffy little woman from Houston, Texas.
“I have no words, I’m so happy. It’s exciting,” Sage’s breeder and handler Kazu Hosaka said of Sage’s final show after 45 Westminster competitions. “Going into this ring tonight, she was a little unsure, but after that she settled in and put on a great performance for me. I’m proud of this dog, and thanks so much.”
