Banana Joe wins Westminster best in show
A tiny Affenpinscher from Massachusetts took the prestigious title.
Banana Joe, a tiny Affenpinscher from Massachusetts, got the ultimate retirement gift on Tuesday night: the Best in Show title at the prestigious 137th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
The 5-year-old CH. Banana Joe V Tani Kazari, a veteran in the ring who’s lapped up 85 other Best in Show wins at other competitions throughout his career, was chosen as the top dog from among 2,721 canines — the show’s largest number of entries in 15 years.
His win makes this the second consecutive year that the Toy Group has clinched the Best in Show title. Joey succeeds the wobbling Pekingese CH. Palacegarden Malachy, who won the coveted title last year. Now 5 years old, Malachy has retired in Pennsylvania with his handler and co-owner, David Fitzpatrick, and eight other Pekingese.
Joey’s thrilled handler, Ernesto Lara, snatched the little black dog up and hugged him tight after he was named the champion. Celebrating the dog’s win, Lara was asked to describe Joey’s personality.
“Nobody told him that he’s a small breed,” he said. “I don’t think he’d believe that.”
For the first time, a Reserve Best in Show title was also awarded this year. It went to an Old English Sheepdog who stunned the dog show world with his Herding Group win on Monday. At just 20 months old, Swagger was a relative novice who hadn’t yet won a championship before coming to Westminster.
Best in Show Judge Michael J. Dougherty didn’t see the seven contenders until he entered the ring at the end of the night, but his picks aligned with those of the crowd, who cheered loudly for both Joey and Swagger.
“Every one of you deserves some serious ribbonage,” Dougherty told the handlers of the seven finalists before choosing his top two picks.
Photo: Frank Franklin II, AP / Westminster's Best in Show winner, Affenpinscher Banana Joe, takes a lap around the ring.
pics, advice, info and stories for pet lovers
-
Should you train your cat to use the toilet?
It’s not just a Meet the Parents scene. The Litter Kwitter's creator says it takes less time to toilet train a cat than a child.
-
10 products every cat lover needs
In honor of Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, we're thinking outside the (litter)box and sharing our favorite must-haves.
-
5 summer hazards for cats to avoid
Keep your feline safe from things like flea and tick medications meant for dogs and open windows in tall apartment buildings.
-
Cat breeds with funny names
From the short-legged Munchkin to the affectionate Ragdoll, we've rounded up 11 cat breeds with fun and clever names. You might not be familiar with them, but they all deserve your attention.
-
10 adorable canines who are ready for the dog days of summer
To celebrate the start of longer days and warmer weather, we rounded up our favorite pups dressed up in summer attire. From hula skirts and board shorts to sunglasses and straw hats, we can’t get enough of these chic (and adorable) canine outfits.
-
Amazing animal stories
These animals fight the good fight and warm our hearts in the process!
-
What toys are safe for adult cats?
Common toys like string, ribbon, yarn and rubber bands are fun for kitties to play with, but potentially deadly if swallowed.
-
13 celebrities who speak for animals
With all the glitz and glamour that comes out of Tinseltown (not to mention the endless tabloid fodder), it's not always obvious that many celebrities are animal lovers, too.
-
20 hottest dog breeds
From designer crosses to giant breeds, we scoured Vetstreet's data of millions of dog breeds to determine the trendiest breeds of the past decade.
-
Why does my pet...?
Do you ever wonder why your dog and cat act the way they do?
-
Puppy survives alone in car for a month
Tow lot employee finds abandoned pup.
-
10 reasons pets make better partners than people
Animals, says Dr. Patty Khuly, are the best listeners in the world and don’t care that you’ve just been dumped or laid off.
