2017 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show Best in Show winner Rumor the German ShepherdCongratulations to Rumor, a German Shepherd, who beat out thousands of dogs to win the top prize – Best in Show – at the 141st Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last evening at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Rumor, a five year-old female who’s full name is GCH CH Lockenhaus’ Rumor Has It V Kenlyn, is the first German Shepherd since 1987 to win Best in Show at Westminster. A repeat winner of the Herding Group at Westminster, she was heavily favored to win the prize last year, when she came in second to Best in Show winner CJ the German Shorthaired Pointer

Our congratulations also go to Rumor’s owner-handler Kent Boyles, who hails from Edgerton, WI. Boyles, who is a professional dog handler, has a long history with the breed. “I always loved German shepherds as a youngster,” Boyles told the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel in 2015. “Just the mystique and the intelligence. Such a well-rounded dog.”

This year’s Best in Show judge Thomas Bradley agreed last night in a post-show interview. “The German Shepherd Dog standard talks about quality and nobility. Sometimes unrecognizable, but when you recognize it, it hits you home, and that’s what it really is.” Rumor fit the bill, according to Bradley, who added, “she is just magnificent.”

Despite her remarkable record of 103 championship wins, Rumor’s win was not an easy one. Her six tough competitors in Best in Show were each striking and poised on the main stage. Sporting Group winner Adrian the Irish Setter took home the second place prize, Reserve Best in Show. The other finalists were Tanner the Norwich Terrier (Terrier Group), Duffy the Norwegian Elkhound (Hound Group), a Boxer named Devlin (Sporting Group), Aftin the Miniature Poodle (Non-Sporting Group) and Chuckie the Pekingese (Toy Group).

What’s next for Rumor after her big win? After her victory lap around New York City, including a trip to the top of the Empire State Building, Rumor will head home to Wisconsin to spend time with her pint-sized best buddies, a Chihuahua named Massimo and a Chinese Crested named X, short for “Exorcist.” She’ll also get ready for her next challenge – motherhood! “Rumor has romance in her future,” said Boyles, “and puppies!” How perfect for a Best in Show winner on Valentine’s Day!

Check out Rumor’s winning moment here:

Congratulations Rumor, from of all us at DogWatch! We know all our German Shepherd DogWatch dogs and dog lovers are cheering for your victory!

Photos from Westminster Kennel Club Facebook Page
Video from FoxSports1 Facebook Page