--- title: "Westminster dog show 2024: Pretty pups, tricks and more" description: "More than 2,500 dogs competed in Westminster Kennel Club dog show's Best in Show category, but it was a miniature poodle named Sage who would take home the crown. Here is a selection of pictures from this year's event." type: "NewsArticle" publisher: "Daily Maverick" site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za" section: "IN PICTURES" author: "Maverick Life Editors" author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/maverick-life-editors/" canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-05-15-westminster-dog-show-2024-pretty-pups-tricks-and-more/" published: "2024-05-15T15:18:35" updated: "2024-05-15T23:50:19" lang: "en-ZA" word_count: 1855 --- # Westminster dog show 2024: Pretty pups, tricks and more > More than 2,500 dogs competed in Westminster Kennel Club dog show's Best in Show category, but it was a miniature poodle named Sage who would take home the crown. Here is a selection of pictures from this year's event. By Maverick Life Editors · Published 15 May 2024, 17:18 SAST · Updated 16 May 2024, 01:50 SAST ## Content ![Sage, a Miniature Poodle from Houston, Texas, competes in the Non-Sporting Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz REFILE - CORRECTING NAME OF THE VENUE FROM "BILLY JEAN KING UNITED STATES TENNIS CENTER" TO "USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER".](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/YFeo0pgJCmxKnaWb_-n1wDBHfhI=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-14T042158Z_618775646_RC22Q7A9259G_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW.jpg) *Sage, a Miniature Poodle from Houston, Texas, competes in the Non-Sporting Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz* ![epaselect epa11341199 Handler Kaz Hosaka and Sage the Miniature Poodle react to winning Best In Show during the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 14 May 2024. EPA-EFE/SARAH YENESEL](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/l9CPLX9TBHyKKdGwifm6U4ufU6E=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/12225249.jpg) *Handler Kaz Hosaka and Sage the Miniature Poodle react to winning Best In Show during the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 14 May 2024. EPA-EFE/SARAH YENESEL* ![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: A handler celebrates by kissing the Best in Show winner, a Miniature Poodle dog in the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on May 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/ts5H4XF30GTll5PmZnRhHo5GUT4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2152471835.jpg) *NEW A handler celebrates by kissing the Best in Show winner, a Miniature Poodle dog in the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on May 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)* ![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Comet, winner of the Toy Group competes 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/vduD-PhJxi23yp05feBmLr98VhA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2153002900.jpg) *Comet, winner of the Toy Group competes 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)* ![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Comet, winner of the Toy Group prepares 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 )](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/0LQGUlkkjgrhcKj5xdmZ0rcCIos=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2153002841.jpg) *Comet, winner of the Toy Group prepares 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 )* ![A dog participates in Masters Agility Championship Preliminaries during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/XGzsjcWHbpaSK0Y_HnRTFi8gd44=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-11T181304Z_1692626272_RC2FO7A9HTZT_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW-WESTMINSTER.jpg) *A dog participates in Masters Agility Championship Preliminaries during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur* ![A dog participates in Masters Agility Championship Preliminaries during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/It91g1h-S-h9kJ1zWu1jW5JX10o=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-11T184749Z_1359681531_RC2GO7A9A6VQ_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW-WESTMINSTER.jpg) *A dog participates in Masters Agility Championship Preliminaries during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur* ![A dog participates in Masters Agility Championship Preliminaries during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/RrrbWi2QjPuNFiFic_n-f_Qeuwc=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-11T184752Z_1631634589_RC2FO7AWLEQ8_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW-WESTMINSTER.jpg) *A dog participates in Masters Agility Championship Preliminaries during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur* ![Verde, a Welsh Terrier from Somis, California, watches its handler's instructions to fall as it competes in the Terrier group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/EMkQlYVJifSqdwp664pS-qWs6Ik=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-15T023500Z_315687578_RC2QQ7AVDY41_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW.jpg) *Verde, a Welsh Terrier from Somis, California, watches its handler's instructions to fall as it competes in the Terrier group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz* ![Scott, a Dogue De Bordeaux from Brockton, Massachusetts, is petted by its handler as it competes in the Working Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/6uJsaYMG8QY_uDH7V-ij0xPPA3w=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-15T015635Z_472136802_RC2PQ7A3UNXC_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW.jpg) *Scott, a Dogue De Bordeaux from Brockton, Massachusetts, is petted by its handler as it competes in the Working Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz* ![Dogs compete in the Working Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/QHiIckJSQXexcm8s2D6tPxOI990=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-15T015334Z_1906822587_RC2PQ7A95J66_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW.jpg) *Dogs compete in the Working Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz* ![Roo, a Komondor from Wall Township, New Jersey, competes in the Working Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/neuOzqbdz-PgsvIfIP6-vVdY-3w=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-15T014650Z_1800641910_RC2PQ7ATV8MY_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW.jpg) *Roo, a Komondor from Wall Township, New Jersey, competes in the Working Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz* ![Melandes, an English Setter from Phoenix, Arizona, competes in the Sporting Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/7qzEdnThzpppRjqtbmw5csN9l9w=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-15T010242Z_205026924_RC2OQ7A6R7ME_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW.jpg) *Melandes, an English Setter from Phoenix, Arizona, competes in the Sporting Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz* ![Santana, a Gordon Setter from Urbana, Ohio, competes in the Sporting Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/wEVrgIYo6busQeP8fELoZiKFQJU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-15T010240Z_384776729_RC2OQ7ABT3M1_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW.jpg) *Santana, a Gordon Setter from Urbana, Ohio, competes in the Sporting Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz* ![Gota, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever from Vashon, Washington, competes in the Sporting Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/L95tjVXxaPrjmn0ap319H7tj7qE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-15T005120Z_1812633007_RC2OQ7ACL0SX_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW.jpg) *Gota, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever from Vashon, Washington, competes in the Sporting Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, in New York City, New York, U.S., May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz* ![epa11341263 Best In Show finalist Afghan hound 'Louis' and their handler trot during judging during the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 14 May 2024. EPA-EFE/SARAH YENESEL](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/P3MpaiQibcOdcNnRuR3cwTOi0-U=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/12225157.jpg) *Best In Show finalist Afghan hound 'Louis' and their handler trot during judging during the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 14 May 2024. EPA-EFE/SARAH YENESEL* ![epa11341089 The winner of the English Settler breed waits their turn before judging for the Sporting Group during the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 14 May 2024. EPA-EFE/SARAH YENESEL](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/jIKwnvtzJ9UD6sC4MQBS9S9T-oo=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/12224979.jpg) *The winner of the English Settler breed waits their turn before judging for the Sporting Group during the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 14 May 2024. EPA-EFE/SARAH YENESEL* ![epa11341058 The winner of Junior Handler Octavia Stenson reacts to winning with her dog a Norwegian Buhund named Pineapple during the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 14 May 2024. EPA-EFE/SARAH YENESEL](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/-WFeYStT029cCwt1VgH95Cndp0Q=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/12224948.jpg) *The winner of Junior Handler Octavia Stenson reacts to winning with her dog a Norwegian Buhund named Pineapple during the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 14 May 2024. EPA-EFE/SARAH YENESEL* ![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Dogs compete 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/QEI-TW-jYT66s9mqsrpzJxMAKog=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2153002958.jpg) *Dogs compete 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)* ![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Louis, winner of the Hound Group competes 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/TsP2Z9me5OBDKMmdEx0dUkKenQk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2153003081.jpg) *Louis, winner of the Hound Group competes 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)* ![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Dogs compete 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/8b1vJeNrgLiOISyQ5-uUHrGyKFA=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2152997861.jpg) *Dogs compete 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)* ![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Dogs compete 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/lkxJ5NFnAyEnNDdZR5FKfiYeG1Q=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2152990648.jpg) *Dogs compete 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 Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)* ![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 13: Dogs compete during the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - Show Night at Arthur Ashe Stadium on May 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/D8kzALlpIFhb6FwXEiXBGnQMp4U=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2152839122.jpg) *Dogs compete during the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - Show Night at Arthur Ashe Stadium on May 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)* ![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 13: Dogs compete during the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - Show Night at Arthur Ashe Stadium on May 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/rDbR54oF65jaM37CAHUkL4ubNao=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2152838959.jpg) *Dogs compete during the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show - Show Night at Arthur Ashe Stadium on May 13, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for Westminster Kennel Club)* ![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Dogs 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 )](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/o2ngXSY_BmPSp3eDb-jO52Fk2BE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2152991199.jpg) *Dogs 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 )* ![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: A dog and its owner watch a competition during the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on May 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/zTK7JIZIw6jd18KpiL7z8gy76jg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2152384123.jpg) *A dog and its owner watch a competition during the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on May 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)* ![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: An Old English Sheepdog rests inside the grooming tent during the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on May 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/SVYTgIHwxs_Lt9gAZSF7pu9d4zM=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2152444045.jpg) *An Old English Sheepdog rests inside the grooming tent during the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on May 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)* ![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Dogs 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 )](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/MBu_-fjTJg9ByrnMMYMZyiuMgZ8=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2153003044.jpg) *Dogs 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 )* ![epa11337629 Handler Perry Payson, of Oklahoma, carries his French Bulldog during judging at the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 13 May 2024. EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/KVW1M7993C7ZisJUp5ZcupAZgc4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/12221326.jpg) *Handler Perry Payson, of Oklahoma, carries his French Bulldog during judging at the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 13 May 2024. EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE* ![epa11337630 A biewer terrier named Hudson is groomed for competition during the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 13 May 2024. EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/jRgVtXmY_VOXhBbA_KOK1Dg1B78=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/12221328.jpg) *A biewer terrier named Hudson is groomed for competition during the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 13 May 2024. EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE* ![epa11337634 A standard poodle named Robert is groomed by Rebecca Arch of Fredonia, New York in the benching area at 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 13 May 2024. EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Ln5Jnwy44U8Es1bsTSclh7lY2sQ=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/12221330.jpg) *A standard poodle named Robert is groomed by Rebecca Arch of Fredonia, New York in the benching area at 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 13 May 2024. EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE* ![epa11337679 Handler Luke Behm of Indiana with his coton de tulear named Elton, during the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 13 May 2024. EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/_l3DY8DJxiMtoZIp6Aep-m4Xmvk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/12221375.jpg) *Handler Luke Behm of Indiana with his coton de tulear named Elton, during the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 13 May 2024. EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE* ![epa11337684 A Pembroke Welsh corgi name Tazo is groomed for competition during the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 13 May 2024. EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/bAjI6_i_RJY9DHjT9XcF1h2cEEQ=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/12221380.jpg) *A Pembroke Welsh corgi name Tazo is groomed for competition during the 148th annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show being held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows in the Queens borough of New York, New York, USA, 13 May 2024. EPA-EFE/JUSTIN LANE* ![A therapy dog named Mari plays with the owner before it takes part in the Masters Agility Championship Preliminaries during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/mPwwtqzqnF891PzWrgBG1EvhfFs=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-11T175222Z_1299301289_RC2HO7A70PVS_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW-WESTMINSTER.jpg) *A therapy dog named Mari plays with the owner before it takes part in the Masters Agility Championship Preliminaries during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur* ![Dogs are carried on a stroller during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/bkhocqXpZFlf6RWu2O9jVpibz8A=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-11T191528Z_290478155_RC2HO7A9FJEF_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW-WESTMINSTER.jpg) *Dogs are carried on a stroller during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur* ![A dog herds ducks into a cage during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/lw0KpZsBBBEApYCLw4Rj-1ZpQN4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-11T200649Z_2070997079_RC2GO7AMKE5L_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW-WESTMINSTER.jpg) *A dog herds ducks into a cage during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur* ![Sparrow, a Boston Terrier from Lowell, Michigan, competes in the Non-Sporting Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz REFILE - CORRECTING NAME OF THE VENUE FROM "BILLY JEAN KING UNITED STATES TENNIS CENTER" TO "USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER".](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/XKtflCU4pyqYnitJKc-XKS7duMQ=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-14T042159Z_1690521673_RC22Q7A0YSD3_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW.jpg) *Sparrow, a Boston Terrier from Lowell, Michigan, competes in the Non-Sporting Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz* ![Louis, a Yorkshire Terrier from Willis, Texas, competes in the Toy Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz REFILE - CORRECTING NAME OF THE VENUE FROM "BILLY JEAN KING UNITED STATES TENNIS CENTER" TO "USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER".](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/c6UrYbPLDLRUVjt5rIbPuy40fgY=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-14T042204Z_1644504486_RC21Q7AWB0OU_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW.jpg) *Louis, a Yorkshire Terrier from Willis, Texas, competes in the Toy Group during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz* ![Sven, an Old English Sheepdog from Colorado, gets ready to compete during the 148th Westminster kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz REFILE - CORRECTING NAME OF THE VENUE FROM "BILLY JEAN KING UNITED STATES TENNIS CENTER" TO "USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER".](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/CjVJ2MasMvoqprPfE5-RT5sNkQk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-14T042217Z_2005482532_RC2UP7A5MS7Q_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW.jpg) *Sven, an Old English Sheepdog from Colorado, gets ready to compete during the 148th Westminster kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz* ![Quan, a Chow Chow from New York, cools down before competing during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz REFILE - CORRECTING NAME OF THE VENUE FROM "BILLY JEAN KING UNITED STATES TENNIS CENTER" TO "USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER".](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/hwUMJ5rkqC0aE9STNNpxzft5mu4=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-14T042217Z_2104746948_RC2VP7AJWPDF_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW.jpg) *Quan, a Chow Chow from New York, cools down before competing during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz* ![A Dalmatian dog kisses a handler during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz REFILE - CORRECTING NAME OF THE VENUE FROM "BILLY JEAN KING UNITED STATES TENNIS CENTER" TO "USTA BILLIE JEAN KING NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER".](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/X4NhzN--eKZGro4k4UEpXNiISuk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-14T042216Z_776348477_RC2SP7ADHY8J_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW.jpg) *A Dalmatian dog kisses a handler during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, New York, U.S., May 13, 2024. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz* ![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 14: An Old English Sheepdog rests inside the grooming tent during the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on May 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/oaj2_QxycijeIYh5_5rAuyMzOF0=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2152444111.jpg) *An Old English Sheepdog rests inside the grooming tent during the 148th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on May 14, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Andres Kudacki/Getty Images)* ![A dog competes in the dock diving during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/R46X5AvXZOiKPTKF5tmC_xmc0pg=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-11T150735Z_1092919163_RC2DO7ABWA7Q_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW-WESTMINSTER.jpg) *A dog competes in the dock diving during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur* ![A dog competes in the dock diving during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/BM00vOOERiFuFgmgBtxaucGy4bU=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-11T160334Z_2043122235_RC2DO7AFMPWK_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW-WESTMINSTER.jpg) *A dog competes in the dock diving during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur* ![A dog competes in the dock diving during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Ueb3d77YI7VRd9-nUvMvmMSiqWE=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-05-11T153720Z_1778521368_RC2DO7AUV56Y_RTRMADP_3_USA-DOGSHOW-WESTMINSTER.jpg) *A dog competes in the dock diving during the 148th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York, U.S., May 11, 2024. REUTERS/Kena Betancur DM*