Sage, a miniature poodle, claims Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show
Sage, a miniature poodle, claimed Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday night. Her competition included Mercedes, a German shepherd (who placed second), Louis, an Afghan hound, Comet, a Shih Tzu, and three other finalists.
Sage became the fourth miniature poodle to take top honors at Westminster. Nearly four dozen breeds have been honored in the 115 Best in Show competitions, but one breed, the wire fox terrier, has won throughout the decades.
Which breeds have won at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show?
Terriers originally were bred to hunt vermin, but they now stalk best in show medals at Westminster. Frankie, a colored bull terrier, represented the terriers Tuesday night. At least one breed of terrier – a broad category – has won 42% of the Best in Show honors.
Thirty-three other breeds have won Best in Show, including several poodle breeds, several English springer spaniels and a bloodhound for the first time in 2022 competition.
Last year, Buddy Holly, a petit basset griffon Vendéen, made history. Buddy Holly was the first of its breed to take top honors since Best in Show was first awarded in 1907. (No Best in Show was awarded in 1923.)
All the other breeds that have won Best in Show
Complete list of all of the Westminster Best in Show winners
While owners often spend thousands of dollars to prepare their dogs for the prestigious show, there is no monetary compensation for being the top dog. But they certainly don't go home empty-handed, according to Westminster Kennel Club site.
What do Westminster Best in Show winners receive?
- A Pewter Trophy
- The Westminster Legen Trophy, a hand-engraved Steuben crystal bowl
- The James Mortimer Memorial Sterling Silver Trophy, if American-bred.
- Perpetual Sterling Silver Challenge Cup, if American-bred