Get to know Sage, the Westminster Dog Show top pooch with ties to Rehoboth Beach

Keith Demko, Salisbury Daily Times
·1 min read

Did you know Sage, the adorable black poodle who just won Best in Show at the Westminster Dog Show, has strong ties to Rehoboth Beach?

Find out all about this year's big winner.

Westminster Dog Show winner's trainer is from Rehoboth Beach

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Dog handler Kaz Hosaka and Sage, Best in Show and Non-Sporting Group winner prepare backstage 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 ) ORG XMIT: 776138495 ORIG FILE ID: 2153002847

According to NBC News, Sage's handler, Kaz Hosaka, is indeed from Rehoboth Beach. Hosaka said he has been competing at the big Westminster show for 45 years and that would be his last one.

"Today's the day — my last show," he said. "I'm proud of this dog."

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Get to know Sage, the new Westminster Dog Show top dog

Sage, a Miniature Poodle from Houston, Texas, stands after winning the Best in Show group during the Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York, on May 14, 2024. (Photo by KENA BETANCUR / AFP) (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776144251 ORIG FILE ID: 2152468769
Sage, a Miniature Poodle from Houston, Texas, stands after winning the Best in Show group during the Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York, on May 14, 2024. (Photo by KENA BETANCUR / AFP) (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776144251 ORIG FILE ID: 2152468769

Sage is a 4-pound black poodle owned by Cathy Gauche of Houston, Texas. She was born Dec. 16, 2020.

According to USA Today, Sage beat more than 2,500 dogs of more than 200 different breeds to win the ultimate Westminster Dog Show prize.

Sage became the fourth miniature poodle to take top honors at Westminster. Nearly four dozen breeds have been honored in the 115 Best in Show competitions, but one breed, the wire fox terrier, has won throughout the decades.

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What do Westminster Best in Show winners receive?

For taking home Best in Show, Sage will receive:

  • A Pewter Trophy

  • The Westminster Legen Trophy, a hand-engraved Steuben crystal bowl

  • The James Mortimer Memorial Sterling Silver Trophy, if American-bred.

  • Perpetual Sterling Silver Challenge Cup, if American-bred

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This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Westminster Dog Show's big winner has strong ties to Rehoboth Beach