Siba the standard poodle wins Westminster Dog Show

Siba is the fifth standard poodle to win the show's top prize and the first since 1991

Published: February 12, 2020 14:08 AP and Compiled by Nathaniel Lacsina, Digital Content Producer

1 of 20

Siba, a black standard poodle with a meticulously groomed coat and a taste for chicken, won best in show at the 144th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, defeating a final group of contenders that included a wildly popular golden retriever and two repeat best-in-show contestants. Image Credit: AP

2 of 20

Siba is the fifth standard poodle to win the show's top prize and the first since 1991. The last poodle to take top honors was a miniature, Surrey Spice Girl, in 2002. Image Credit: AFP

3 of 20

"She knows she's special," Siba's handler, Chrystal Murray, said Monday when she advanced to best in show, and Tuesday the best-in-show judge, Robert Slay, agreed. Image Credit: Reuters

4 of 20

Murray said she liked poodles because they do not shed and are thus hypo-allergenic. And Siba, despite her prim appearance, she said, was just a family dog who "knows when to tone it down and sleep on the couch." Image Credit: Reuters

5 of 20

Siba has only one regular requirement: She prefers chicken. When Murray couldn't find any, she turned to the closest available option: chicken sandwiches from a nearby McDonald's. Image Credit: AFP

6 of 20

The only thing fancy about the winner, it seemed, was her haircut and her full name: GCHP CH Stone Run Afternoon Tea. Image Credit: NYT

7 of 20

Daniel, a golden retriever, was the clear crowd favorite in the final judging. Image Credit: Reuters

8 of 20

Representing one of the most popular breeds in America, Daniel was attempting to become the first golden to take the top prize in a competition that was first held a decade after the Civil War. Image Credit: AP

9 of 20

Two of the finalists, Bono the Havanese (shown) and Wilma the boxer, had won their groups to advance to best in show for the second year in a row. Image Credit: AP

10 of 20

But both came up short again. Shown is Wilma the boxer. Image Credit: Reuters

11 of 20

Vinny, the wire fox terrier, was hoping to deliver a second straight title - and a record 16th overall - for his breed. Image Credit: AP

12 of 20

He may have been hurt by recent history: A wire fox terrier had won last year, drawing groans from a terrier-weary crowd. Image Credit: Reuters

13 of 20

Bourbon, a sleek whippet seeking his breed's first title since 1964, won the runner-up prize, reserve best in show. Image Credit: AP

14 of 20

After winning the top prize, Siba and Murray posed in the middle of the arena for photos. Image Credit: Reuters

15 of 20

As Murray answered questions, Siba reclined on the small raised platform in the middle, surrounded by her trophies and ribbons, as regal (and coifed) as Cleopatra and completely unperturbed by the fuss around her. Image Credit: AP

16 of 20

Photographers tried to get her to look at them by shouting her name, but it did not work. The champion was relaxing. "She always knows when she's won," Murray said. Image Credit: Reuters

17 of 20

A Komodor named Addie. Image Credit: Reuters

18 of 20

A Tibetan Mastiff named Clifford. Image Credit: Reuters

19 of 20

A Great Dane competes during the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York on Feb. 11, 2020. Image Credit: NYT

20 of 20

A Neapolitan Mastiff named Gracie takes part in the Working group competition at the 2020 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Image Credit: Reuters

Photos Lifestyle

Siba the standard poodle wins Westminster Dog Show

More From Photos

Photos: 100 crying babies face off at sumo festival

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

Siba the standard poodle wins Westminster Dog Show

More From Photos

Photos: 100 crying babies face off at sumo festival

GULFNEWS SECTIONS