FEB 15 POODLE WINS BEST OF SHOW AT WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW

FEB 15  POODLE WINS BEST OF SHOW AT WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW

Meet Siba. She's a gorgeous Standard Poodle who just won the prestigious Westminster Dog Show. It's not an easy accomplishment! Siba had to beat out 2,500 other pooches spread out over 204 different breeds. Her victory ended a long, 29-year drought for Poodles at Westminster: The last top finish was a dog named Whisperwind back in 1991. Way to go, Siba!

Never heard of the Westminster Dog Show? Dating back to 1877, it's the second oldest sporting event in the USA. (The Kentucky Derby is two years older). It began with a group of sportsmen who met regularly at the nearby Westminster Hotel. The first event only had 'Gun Dogs:' Setters and pointers who aid in hunting. The winners were awarded pistols. In the 144 years since, the show has grown in popularity. It's always been held at Madison Square Garden, from its humble start as an outdoor grandstand with bleachers to the state-of-art arena it is today.

Back to Siba. As we said, it wasn't easy for her to grab that prize ribbon. Here's the path: First, she competed against similar breeds in her categoy. For Siba, this is 'Non-Sporting Group,' which includes Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Chow-Chows and Dalmatians...to name a few. They are judged in three competitions. Siba did best on the examination. Who couldn't lover her silky sable locks? Next, she dazzled the judges with an elegant trot. Finally, Siba flew through the agility competition--a doggie obstacle course filled with jumps, hoops, tunnels and a seesaw.

Having won the 'Non-Sporting' crown, Siba advanced to the elite seven dogs competing for the coveted Best of Show prize. This is when the competition got really tough. She had to outshine Wilma the Boxer in the examination. She had to run faster than Conrad the Shetland Sheepdog in the agility race. Things became dicey when Siba faced up with Daniel the Golden Retriever for the trot. This delightful 5 year-old dog was clearly the fan favorite. His shiny blond tresses and puppy-dog eyes lit up the jumbotron at MSG. The crowd roared!

However, crowds don't determine 'Best of Show' winners....judges do. The scores were counted, Siba grabbed a close victory and won the blue ribbon! To celebrate, Siba ate a McChicken sandwich for McDonalds, convienently located inside the building. As for Daniel the Golden Retriever, his owner says he's "happy to be home and hanging out." After all, Daniel is a dog and has no idea he was the best hope for a first-ever win for a Golden Retriever...despite being the most popular breed in the US.