Sage wins Best in Show.According to the New York Times, Kaz Hosaka, who is well-known for his skillful poodle grooming, is the owner of the 4-year-old Sage, whose full name is GCHG Ch Surrey Sage.

CNN reports that Sage is the fourth Miniature Poodle to win Best in Show, including her great-grandmother Spice, who took home the award in 2002. She is also the first female to win Best in Show since 2020.NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 13: Non-Sporting Group Winner Sage competes in the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Show Night at Arthur Ashe Stadium on May 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)

Competitors are split into seven groups: Hound, Toy, Terrier, Herding, Working, Sporting, and Non-Sporting. The dogs are evaluated by judges, essentially judging them on how well they represent the ideal standard of their breed, from specific physical characteristics to their agility and temperament.NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 14: Dog handler Kaz Hosaka and Sage, Best in Show and Non-Sporting Group winner pose during the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – Best In Show at Arthur Ashe Stadium on May 14, 2024 in Queens, New York. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club )

Mixed-breed dog triumphs