'Daniel got snubbed': Fans have mixed reactions to Poodle named Siba winning Westminster Dog Show

Win marks fifth time a standard poodle has been named Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show 

Chelsea Ritschel
New York
Wednesday 12 February 2020 19:04 GMT
Comments
Best in Show winner Siba poses with her trophies at Westminster Dog Show (Getty)
Best in Show winner Siba poses with her trophies at Westminster Dog Show (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A standard poodle has officially been named Best in Show, after a close competition at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

On Tuesday, Siba, a three-year-old black poodle was selected from seven finalists as the winner of the 144th edition of the competition and the recipient of a collection of trophies.

“She’s beautiful and has that something,” Siba’s handler Chrystal Murray-Clas said of the pup, who showed off her pom-pom fur and yoga poses during her performances at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Following Siba was Bourbon, a whippet, who finished in second place, Toy Bono, a Havanese, Conrad, a Shetland sheepdog, Daniel, a golden retriever, Vinny, a wire fox terrier, and Wilma, a boxer.

Siba’s win marks the fifth time a standard poodle has won Best in Show, and the first time since 1991.

Siba the standard poodle wins Best in Show at Westminster (Getty)
Siba the standard poodle wins Best in Show at Westminster (Getty)

However, according to Fox News, there were some viewers in the crowd and on social media who felt that Daniel deserved the win - as a golden has never been named Best in Show at Westminster.

Daniel, a golden retriever, was a fan favourite at the dog show (Getty)
Daniel, a golden retriever, was a fan favourite at the dog show (Getty)

"Daniel got snubbed at the Westminster show. There I said it," one person tweeted.

Another said: "Daniel should have won Westminster. He's the real MVP."

During the competition, which saw nearly 3,000 dogs from around the world compete, the pressure proved too much for other pups, including Irish water spaniel Simone, who was disqualified during the final night after lunging at a judge.

In a video of the incident, Simone appears to get nervous as judge Theresa L Hundt tries to examine her, prompting the dog to jump at Hundt.

However, others speculated that the dog reacted the way she did because Hundt accidentally stepped on her paw.

Despite failing to qualify for Best in Show, Simone’s handler and co-owner Hannah Loonsk only had positive words to say about the pup.

“She’s the love of my life, it’s fine,” she said backstage.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in