Standard Poodle Show Dog Wins Big at Westminster

Standard Poodle Show Dogs are truly a sight to behold. They're known for their intelligence, athleticism, and stunning good looks.

Their popularity as show dogs is no surprise, given their history of winning top prizes at prestigious dog shows like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

In fact, one standard poodle show dog took home the top prize at Westminster, proving that with the right training and care, these dogs can be true champions.

Standard poodles have been a favorite among dog fanciers for centuries, and it's easy to see why - their elegant appearance and charming personalities make them a joy to be around.

Siba the standard poodle won best in show at the 144th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, defeating 2,500 competitors representing 204 breeds.

Siba is the fifth standard poodle to win the top prize and the first since 1991. Her win marks the 10th time a poodle has become America's top dog.

The last poodle to take top honors was a miniature, Surrey Spice Girl, in 2002. Poodles come in three sizes, and standards have won best in show five times, miniatures three times, and toys twice.

Siba's handler, Chrystal Murray, likes poodles because they do not shed and are thus hypoallergenic. Siba is just a family dog who enjoys playing with Murray's toddler son and tracking in mud from the fields near their Pennsylvania home.

Siba has only one regular requirement: she prefers chicken. On Monday, when Murray couldn’t find any before the judging in the nonsporting group, she turned to the closest available option: chicken sandwiches from a nearby McDonald’s.

Siba won the top prize after outlasting some of the best dogs in the country. She had some rough competition, so to speak, in the final round — plenty of good girls and boys that had already earned the title "best" by winning their respective groups.

Here are the top 5 breeds that have won the most Westminster "Best in Show" awards:

Siba, the standard poodle, won best in show at the 144th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday night.

She was adorned with black puffs and pompoms, and was the absolute picture of what many see as the epitome of a show dog.

Siba was a 3-year-old standard poodle, and this was the 10th time a poodle has become America's top dog.

Poodles come in three sizes, and standards have won best in show five times.

Siba put on an entertaining performance in the nonsporting group judging Monday, doing the downward dog yoga pose before circling the ring.

She won't get much rest, either - Siba was set to wake up early to hit the morning TV shows, eat lunch at famed Manhattan restaurant Sardi's, pose on the observation deck of the Empire State Building and perhaps walk onto the stage at the Broadway musical "Beetlejuice."

Siba's handler, Chrystal Murray, said she liked poodles because they do not shed and are thus hypoallergenic.

Siba has one regular requirement: she prefers chicken. On Monday, when Murray couldn't find any, she turned to chicken sandwiches from a nearby McDonald's.

For another approach, see: Are Poodles Velcro Dogs