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Winner dog Wasabi in Tarrytown, New York State: "He just looks wonderful"
Photo:
Kathy Willens / AP
For co-owner and breeder David Fitzpatrick, Wasabi has "that little extra, that sparkle that characterizes a dog."
And these show qualities of his dog were also able to convince at the traditional Westminster dog show in New York: Wasabi was named "Best of the Show".
Fitzpatrick, from the US state of Pennsylvania, seems overjoyed with this decision. “He can eat a filet mignon. And I'll have champagne, ”he said after the fuzzy little dog's victory. The three-year-old and long-haired male, whose name wasabi is derived from the mother's name - Sushi -, had prevailed against more than 2000 pedigree dogs.
The winning dog regularly becomes a star in the USA.
Due to the corona pandemic, the renowned event, which is considered the oldest dog show in the world, did not take place in New York's Madison Square Garden this year, as usual, but on a property in Tarrytown.
The 145th edition of the show, about which the "New York Times" wrote as early as 1877, that it was "such a great success that queues of people clogged the streets", took place without any dog-loving audience.
"We won because we came here"
For the dogs, who were judged, among other things, by how they move and whether their facial expressions appear alert or happy, these restrictions made little difference, according to pictures from the show.
Fitzpatrick raved about his dog: "He's in his prime and looks just wonderful."
Wasabi prevailed against a group of finalists that included Mathew, a French bulldog, Connor, a Samoyed, and Jade, a German shorthaired pointer.
As with many people in lockdown, this year's dog show, in view of Wasabi, was more likely to have extra-long hair: The Pekingese was also able to prevail against Striker, an old English shepherd, who entered the race as the best-placed dog in the USA .
For many dog owners, just taking part in Westminster is an experience - as for former baseball player Barry Bonds, who cheered on a miniature schnauzer that he owns with his sister Cheryl Dugan.
The dog, Rocky, didn't win his breed, but the athlete said he was proud of Rocky because he qualified for the show, which is only for champions.
“We won because we came here.
That's all that matters, ”Bonds told Fox Sports.
Douglas Tighe, who competed with an Epagneul Breton named Pennie, said it didn't matter if the dogs on the estate near Tarrytown were distracted by birds in nature.
"Let them have fun." That is what it is about.
apr / AFP / AP