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Siba, The Rock-Star Standard Poodle, Wins Best In Show At Westminster Dog Show
By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 12, 2020
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By
Jen Chung
Published Feb 12, 2020
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A regal Standard Poodle was named Best in Show at the 144th Westminster Kennel Club's Dog Show on Tuesday evening. Siba, a three-year-old with striking black fur, is the fifth Standard Poodle to win it all, and she's a rock star—look at how she's ready for her Wednesday full of press appearances:
More than 2,600 dogs competed in the famous dog show—which is not without controversy resulting from its focus on purebreds and how owners profit from winning dogs (last year, the owner of a former Best in Breed champion was arrested for hoarding dogs). The other group winners in Best in Show were Bourbon, a sleek whippet; a sweet Golden Retriever named Daniel; Bono, a Havanese who looked like a whirl of fur; Wilma, the graceful boxer; a glorious Shetland sheepdog named Conrad; and Vinny, a handsome wire fox terrier. Look at these faces!
Here was the judging:
Daniel the Golden was the crowd favorite (please watch the amazing hug he gave his handler after winning the Sporting Group), but Judge Bob Slay found perfection in Siba. Her handler Chrystal Murray-Clas told the AP, "She's beautiful and has that something."
For those who get caught up Standard Poodles' show distinctive hairstyles, with pom-poms, dog expert David Frei said, "I always say, don't let the haircut fool you. This is a smart, athletic, active dog that was originally developed in Germany as a water retrieving dog."
Big hair, don't care:
Siba is also very down-to-earth: she had a grilled chicken sandwich after winning.
Siba, who will be retired, has a big day to followup her victory: she has appeared on morning talk shows, and will head to the Empire State Building and Beetlejuice The Musical.
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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