Miniature Poodle Sage secures the coveted Best in Show title at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2024. On May 14, the winner of the top prize at the most prestigious dog show also won the Non-Sporting Group. German Shepherd Mercedes took home the Reserve Best in Show title. Moreover, Mercedes was the winner of the Herding Group.
Miniature Poodle ‘Sage’ wins Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2024
On Tuesday, Miniature Poodle Sage was awarded the Best in Show prize at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2024. However, her handler, Kaz Hosaka, noted that he plans to retire after this win. The veteran has participated in dog shows for 45 years, per AP News. After winning the Best in Show title twice, Hosaka said it would be his last time participating in the prestigious dog show.
Sage was Kaz Hosaka’s second Miniature Poodle to win this title, with Spice winning the award in 2002. Spice was also the last Miniature Poodle to have taken home the title. Sage’s win marks the 11th time a Poodle won a title at the Westminster Dog Show. Sage competed against six other finalists for the Best in Show award — German Shepherd Mercedes, Shih Tzu Comet, Giant Schnauzer Monty, Afghan Hound Louis, Cocker Spaniel Micah, and Bull Terrier Frankie.
German Shepherd ‘Mercedes’ takes home Reserve Best in Show title at Westminster Dog Show 2024
German Shepherd Mercedes took home the runner-up position, winning the Reserve Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 2024. She is the winner of the Herding Group, continuing the winning streak German Shepherds have been having at the Westminster Dog Show. As per USA Today, prior to this year, GSDs won in the Herding Group in 2016, 2017, and 2022.
Mercedes competed against 32 other breeds for the top prize in the Herding Group. Since they were originally bred for sheep herding, it isn’t a surprise GSDs perform exceptionally well in the category. Moreover, Mercedes has a cousin who previously won the Best in Show title. In 2017, German Shepherd Rumor took home the top prize at the Westminster Dog Show. Both pups were under the same handler, Kent Boyle.
