Sage, a miniature poodle hailing from Houston, clinched the top prize at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Under the expert guidance of seasoned handler Kaz Hosaka, Sage’s victory marked a monumental 11th win for poodles of various sizes at Westminster, rivaling the record set by wire fox terriers.
The win was not just a triumph for Sage but also a bittersweet moment for Hosaka, who announced his retirement from the competitive dog show circuit after a 45-year career, which included steering two best in show dogs to victory.
Amidst cheers and applause, Sage, with its inky-black coat captured the hearts of spectators and judges alike.
While Sage won the ultimate prize, the competition was fierce, with standout performances from other finalists like Mercedes the German shepherd and Comet the shih tzu, who won the American Kennel Club National Championship last year.
However, amidst the celebration, a protester attempted to infiltrate the event, advocating for a boycott of breeders, but he was intercepted. According to the Dallas-Morning News, three people were arrested, but no charges have been decided for the moment.
The Westminster show has a long history, since it dates back to 1877. The show focuses on the traditional purebred judging in recent dates, it has opened agility and obedience shows to mixed-breed dogs.
