A Beagle named Miss P beat out the competition to be crowned 2015 “Best in Show” at the 139th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Tuesday night in New York City at Madison Square Garden.
Photo by Goodnewsforpets
Photo from Westminster Kennel Club site
The competition included 2,711 dogs representing 191 breeds. Judging for each group started at Pier 92 and Pier 94 during the day on Monday, February 16, 2015 and Tuesday, February 17, 2015, with the winners from each breed group going on to the televised judging at Madison Square Garden. One winner was chosen from each group to go on to strut their stuff in the final round judging for Best in Show.
Swagger, getting ready backstage Monday night for Herding Group judging.
Photo by Goodnewsforpets
The 4-year old Miss P (short for Peyton), full name “Ch Tashtins Looking for Trouble,” is only the 2nd ever beagle to win the most prestigious award, with her granduncle Uno being the first Beagle to win the honor in 2008. In addition to being the 2nd Beagle to win the honor of Best in Show, she is also the 36th female who has won the award.
Miss P beat out 6 other dogs to win the award. Her competition included Matisse, a Portguese water dog that’s a cousin of President Barack Obama’s family pet Sunny and was the top-winning male in show dog history. The clear crowd favorite, an old English sheepdog named Swagger that placed second in 2013, a standard Poodle, a Shih Tzu named Rocket owned by Patty Hearst and an English Springer Spaniel and a Skye Terrier, who came in second this year.
Miss P primping for the stage on Tuesday night.
Photo by Goodnewsforpets
Miss P’s handler, Will Alexander says “She is a princess, it’s all about her”. The proclaimed princess hails from Enderby, British Columbia, loves liver and appreciates the attention that comes with showing. This week was her second showing at Westminster, and her 20th career “Best in Show” prize.
Her other co-owners are Lori Crandlemire and daughter Kaitlyn, as well as Eddie Dziuk. Eddie is also a co-owner of the previous Beagle “Best in Show” winner, Uno. Uno, who retired from the show life one month after his 2008 win, now loves on a ranch in Texas and turns 10 in May. Miss P sill be following in Uno’s footsteps in more ways than one, After this prestigious win, they plan to retire Miss P from competition.
The tri-colored Miss P also earned a whirlwind of media attention — appearances on TV shows, a meeting with Donald Trump, lunch at renowned Manhattan restaurant Sardi’s and a walk-on part in the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots.” Congratulations Miss P!
