Sage the miniature poodle takes the crown at Westminster with her handler as he retires after 45 years

A miniature poodle named Sage was crowned first place at the Westminster Dog Show this past weekend. 

Sage and her handler, Kaz Hosaka, proudly accepted the title as the veteran handler participated in his final prestigious canine event. 

After 45 years of competing and two Best in Show dogs, he plans to retire.

'No words,' Hosaka said in the ring as he reacted to Sage's win. 'So happy - exciting,' he added. 

'Walked in this ring tonight, she’s kind of not sure, but then she get used to it and then she gave a great performance for me. I’m proud of this dog and thank you very much,' Hoska said as he got emotional. 

Sage, a miniature poodle, and her handler, Kaz Hosaka, proudly won first place at the Westminster Dog Show over the weekend 

Sage, from Houston, Texas, is the fourth miniature poodle to claim the Best in Show title

After 45 years of competing and two Best in Show dogs, Hosaka plans to retire

Sage, from Houston, Texas, went up against six other finalists, as Mercedes, a German shepherd, came in second with her handler, Kent Boyles.

According to CNN, the four-year-old pooch came from a non-sporting group and was the first female Best in Show since 2020. 

She is the fourth miniature poodle to claim the Best in Show title. 

The last time a miniature poodle took the top spot was in 2002. That dog’s name was Spice, who was also handled by Hosaka. 

The Westminster Dog Show is the second-longest continuously held sporting event in the United States besides the Kentucky Derby. 

More than 3,000 dogs from around the world came to New York City for the Westminster Kennel Club's 148th Show, which was held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens.

While the winners receive ribbons, a trophy and a spot in the history books, they do not receive a cash prize.

For the event, dog owners shell out hundreds of thousands of dollars to make sure their dogs are camera ready. Between hiring a handler, grooming, medical care, and travel, those bragging rights are worth a pretty penny.

Others in the final round included Comet, a shih tzu who won the big American Kennel Club National Championship last year, Monty, a giant schnauzer who arrived at Westminster as the nation's top-ranked dog and was a Westminster finalist last year, Louis, an Afghan hound, Micah, a black cocker spaniel, and Frankie, a colored bull terrier.

The last time a miniature poodle took the top spot was in 2002. That dog’s name was Spice and was also shown by Hosaka

Sage came from a non-sporting group and was the first female Best in Show since 2020

Mercedes, a German shepherd, came in second with her handler, Kent Boyles

As Sage went around the ring, a protestor held up a sign urging people to 'boycott breeders.' They attempted to jump in the ring but were quickly intercepted by security

As Sage went around the ring, a protestor held up a sign urging people to 'boycott breeders.' 

The demonstrator attempted to climb into the ring, but was quickly intercepted by security. Police and the animal rights group PETA said three demonstrators were arrested but it is unclear if they were charged. 

Judge Rosalind Kramer said that the final lineup at the 2024 show was 'excellent' and 'glorious.'   

'Just to be in the ring with everyone else is an honor,' Monty's handler and co-owner, Katie Bernardin said. 

'We all love our dogs. We´re trying our best,' she said in the ring after Monty's semifinal win. 

She said that Monty is 'a stallion' of a dog, who is powerful, solid and 'very spirited.'  

Dogs first compete against others of their breed. Then the winner of each breed goes up against others in their 'group.' The seven group winners meet in the final round.

Besides the winners, there were other dogs that were hits with the crowd. A lagotto Romagnolo named Harry earned a chuckle from the stadium audience by sitting up and begging for a treat from his handler. 

Meanwhile, a Vizsla named Fletcher charmed spectators by jumping up on its handler after finishing a spin around the ring.

There were also big cheers for a playful great Pyrenees called Sebastian and a Doberman pinscher named Emilio.

The Westminster show, which dates to 1877, centers on the traditional purebred judging that leads to the best in show prize. But over the last decade, the club has added agility and obedience events open to mixed-breed dogs.

And this year, the agility competition counted its first non-purebred winner, a border collie-papillon mix named Nimble.

And Kramer, the best in show judge, made a point of thanking 'every dog, whether it's a house dog or a show dog.'

Others in the final round included Comet, a shih tzu who won the big American Kennel Club National Championship last year

Monty, a giant schnauzer who arrived at Westminster as the nation's top-ranked dog and was a Westminster finalist last year, also competed in this year's competition 

Frankie, a colored bull terrier, jumps after winning the terrier group competition 

Miles (pictured) competed in the event after her owner, Christine Longnecker, rescued him after he was deemed 'unadoptable' because of his aggressive behavior 

"Because you make our lives whole,' she added. 

Another dog, Miles, who was deemed 'unadoptable' because of his aggressive behavior, was brought into the show by his owner, Christine Longnecker. 

Longnecker, a horse trainer that teaches show jumping, rescued Miles and brought him to horseback riding classes. 

The dog, who had a reputation for snarling and growling at the shelter he was rescued from, seemed far from suited for a group setting.

In a surprising turn of events, Miles bolted into the ring, not to disrupt, but to dominate. He navigated the jumping obstacles with an enthusiasm that stunned everyone.

'He looked so excited,' Longnecker told the New York Times. 'And then he turned and barked as if to say, 'This is how you do it.'

Miles looks most similar to a Doberman-mix, but his DNA test confirmed he was 40 percent cattle dog, 23 percent Labrador, 10 percent Border collie, and the other 23 percent a mix of different hounds. 

His owner signed him up to compete in the elite dog show, a testament to both his natural ability and Longnecker's unwavering belief.

Although dog shows usually only allow purebreds to compete, the agility competition is open to all four-legged friends.