BEST IN SHOW

German Shepherd Called Rumor Wins at Westminster

The breed’s second champion in the event’s 140-year history.

Rumor the German shepherd won best in show Tuesday evening at the Westminster Kennel Club, becoming the “top dog” in America. The 5-year-old was crowned at the packed Madison Square Garden, making history as only the second of her breed to ever win the event since its founding in 1877. Handler and co-owner Kent Boyles called the achievement “unbelievable.” She beat out a Pekingese, a Norwegian elkhound, a miniature poodle, an Irish setter, a boxer, and a Norwich terrier in the final ring. Adrian, an Irish setter, was crowned in second place. “The German shepherd standard talks about quality and nobility,” said judge Thomas Bradley III. “When you recognize it, it hits you at home, and that’s what it really is. She is just magnificent.”