Banana Joe, an adorably-named black affinpinscher, won Best in Show at last night's 2013 Westminster Kennlel Club Dog Show in New York City's Madison Square Garden. He is the first affinpinscher to take home the top prize at the country's premiere canine spectacle. After learning of his 86th best in show title victory, the 5-year-old Banana Joe wagged his little tail a mile a minute and stuck out his pink tongue as he celebrated with his handler Ernesto Lara, who stated, "He's won a lot of big shows, but not like this one."
Officially named Banana Joe V Tani Kazari, he had never gotten this far before. In his 2 prior appearances, he placed second in toy group judging each time despite a lot of fanfare. Though his appearances at the previous 2 Westminster shows ended poorly, Banana Joe came armed with a shiny black coat and a bounce in his step, ready to take home the gold. Co-owner and Breeder Mieke Cooijmans had plans to take the little guy back to his home in the Netherlands today, but with a tour of interviews and television appearances the trip has been postponed. Cooijmans also says that Banana Joe can speak German, Dutch, Spanish and English. I am guessing she means that he understands those languages. Banana Joe is amazing. Besides winning awards, Banana Joe loves tugging at his squeaky mouse toy.
He does not receive any prize money for winning, but instead Banana Joe gets a silver bowl, profitable breeding fees for his owner and a lifetime of prestige. After all, there are no "former" champions in the world of show dogs. They all keep their titles. Coming in close behind Banana Joe in the runner-up position was 20-month-old, crowd favorite English sheepdog named Swagger. Judge Michael Dougherty picked Banana Joe over Swagger for the following reasons:
"He was presented in immaculate manner. He was on the minute he walked in. He's in perfect condition, perfect body."
The final "best-of-seven" participants of this year's dog show included a Portuguese water dog (like President Obama's "First Dog" Bo), a smooth fox terrier, a bichon fries, an American foxhound, and a German wirehaired pointer who had been ranked as the nation's No. 1 show dog. The 137th Westminster Dog Show had 2,721 entries in 187 breeds and varieties. There were even 2 brand new additions to the show in the form of the Walker coonhound and the Russel terrier.
