A miniature poodle named Sage is America’s top canine after earning the title of best in show on Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show.
The poised non-sporting group winner from Houston with the shiny jet-black coat, whose official champion’s name is GCHG CH Surrey Sage, was the last dog standing after a winnowing-down process that began on Monday morning with more than 2,500 canines in 213 breeds and varieties hailing from all 50 states and a dozen other countries, including Canada, Japan, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates.
Sage’s handler, Kaz Hosaka of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, was immediately overcome by emotion after judge Rosalind Kramer’s decision was announced to the crowd of several thousand onlookers inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
On a drizzly evening at the home of the US Open tennis tournament, he won the crown over a stacked field of six other group winners, among them a German Shepherd named Mercedes (who won reserve best in show), an Afghan Hound named Louis, a Shih Tzu named Comet, a Black Cocker Spaniel named Micha, a Colored Bull Terrier named Frankie, and a Giant Schnauzer named Monty, who was back in the final ring for the second year in a row.
This is a developing story. More to follow.
