The Latest on Miniature Poodle News and Events

Miniature Poodle enthusiasts, rejoice! The latest news and events have us buzzing with excitement. The American Kennel Club (AKC) has announced that the Miniature Poodle has been one of the top 20 most popular breeds in the US for the past five years.

The breed's popularity can be attributed to its intelligence, trainability, and affectionate nature, making it a beloved companion for many families. With proper grooming, a Miniature Poodle can live up to 15 years or more.

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of Miniature Poodles being used as therapy dogs. Their small size and gentle nature make them an ideal fit for visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and other settings where their presence can bring joy and comfort to those in need.

The Westminster Kennel Club Show is one of the most prestigious canine events in the United States.

This year's competition drew a field of contenders representing 200 breeds from all 50 U.S. states and 12 other countries.

Sage, a miniature poodle, won the top prize, becoming the 11th triumph for poodles of various sizes at Westminster.

Only wire fox terriers have won more, with Sage's win making it the fourth time a miniature poodle has taken the top prize in the 148-year history of the contest.

The best in show winner gets a trophy and a place in dog-world history, but no cash prize.

Sage's handler, Kaz Hosaka, has been competing at Westminster for 45 years and said this year's show would be his last.

The final lineup was "excellent, glorious", according to best in show judge Rosalind Kramer.

Dogs first compete against others of their breed, and then the winner of each breed goes up against others in its group.

The seven group winners meet in the final round to determine the best in show winner.

Sage bested six other finalists to take best in show, with Mercedes, a German shepherd, taking second place.

The Westminster show, which dates to 1877, centers on the traditional purebred judging that leads to the best in show prize.

Over the last decade, the club has added agility and obedience events open to mixed-breed dogs, with this year's agility competition counting its first non-purebred winner, a border collie-papillon mix named Nimble.

Kramer made a point of thanking "every dog, whether it’s a house dog or a show dog."

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