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PHOTOS: Westminster Dog Show Winner Sage The Poodle Struts Her Stuff

Sage the Miniature Poodle won best in show at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club dog show. See pictures from Tuesday's event.

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Sage, a miniature poodle, poses for photos after winning best in show at 148th Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York.
Sage, a miniature poodle, poses for photos after winning best in show at 148th Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)

NEW YORK CITY — A miniature poodle named Sage took home the top prize at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club dog show on Tuesday in the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. This is the 11th win for the many breeds of poodles at Westminster, only the Wire Fox Terrier has taken home more titles.

The win is bittersweet for Sage's handler as this is the final competition for Kaz Hosaka who has been showing dogs for over 45 years. He can now add another title under his belt as he enters retirement. His last Westminster best in show win was with the miniature poodle Spice in 2002.

All the glitz and glamour of the dog show was not without some controversy. Protesters attempted to enter the show ring as Sage was making her rounds for judging. The protesters carried signs urging people to “boycott breeders."

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Police quickly apprehended them and removed them from the ring. Charges have not yet been decided.

Along with Sage's prestigious Best in Show title, Mercedes the German Shepherd took home Reserve Best in Show.

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See photos from the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and all the energetic dogs that competed.

Dogs and their handlers line up before the terrier group competition at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
A dog licks its handler during the terrier group competition. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
A golden retriever and its handler wait to compete in breed group judging. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Comet, a Shih Tzu, competes in its breed group on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Monty, a giant schnauzer, is walked during the working group. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Boo, an Irish setter waits patiently as he's being judged for competition. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Micah, a black cocker spaniel, gets reassurance in the ring. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
A golden retriever handler wears a pendant during breed group judging. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Sage, a miniature poodle, poses for photos after winning best in show at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Sage strutting around the ring with her handler. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Mercedes, a German shepherd, takes part in the best in show competition. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Frankie, a colored bull terrier, jumps after winning the terrier group competition. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
A security worker wraps up a protester during the best in show competition at the 148th Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. (AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson)
Owner Cathy Gauche stands with Judge Rosaland Kramer as they pose with Surrey Sage, a Miniature Poodle, also known as "Sage," held by handler Kaz Hosaka after winning Best in Show during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York. (Photo by Matt Smith/Shutterstock)

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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