A Barrier-Breaking Moment in Dog Show History (Image Credits: Pixabay)
New York City – A Standard Poodle captured the Westminster Kennel Club’s top honor for the first time in 1935, setting a precedent in the world of competitive dog shows.[1][2]
A Barrier-Breaking Moment in Dog Show History
The 1935 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show witnessed a landmark achievement. Ch. Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace of Blakeen claimed Best in Show, marking the debut victory for a Standard Poodle in the event’s prestigious finale. This win also highlighted a personal milestone for its handler, Mrs. Sherman Hoyt, who became the first woman to secure the title.[1]
Westminster’s archives capture the significance: “in 1935, Mrs. Sherman Hoyt handled her Standard Poodle to Best in Show, the first such win ever for a woman handler.”[1] Handlers at the time faced a male-dominated field, yet Hoyt’s success demonstrated skill transcended gender barriers. The victory elevated the Standard Poodle breed, known for its intelligence and athleticism derived from water-retrieving roots.
The Champion Behind the Crown
Ch. Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace of Blakeen emerged from prominent breeding lines. This dog represented the elegance and capability that defined early Standard Poodles. Its performance at Madison Square Garden captivated judges and spectators alike.
Hoyt’s preparation proved pivotal. She guided the Poodle through rigorous competition, culminating in the ultimate prize. This triumph laid groundwork for future Poodle successes at Westminster. The breed’s versatility shone through, blending conformation perfection with historical working prowess.[3]
Waves of Poodle Dominance Follow
Standard Poodles continued to excel in subsequent years. In 1958, Ch. Puttencove Promise, a striking snow-white specimen whelped in 1955, secured Best in Show. The American Kennel Club described it as “the turning point for the standard Poodle as we know the breed today, a bridge from the working water dogs of the past to the breed as we know it today.”[1]
The late 1950s and early 1960s saw a surge in Poodle wins across varieties:
- 1958: Ch. Puttencove Promise (Standard Poodle)[4]
- 1959: Ch. Fontclair Festoon (Miniature Poodle)
- 1961: Another Toy Poodle victory
These achievements underscored the breed’s rising prominence. More recently, Standard Poodles like Siba in 2020 added to the tally, becoming the fifth of its kind to win.[5]
A Legacy That Endures
The 1935 win reshaped perceptions of Standard Poodles. Once valued for utility, they gained acclaim for show-ring prowess. Handlers and breeders built on this foundation, refining traits that judges prize today.
Westminster records reflect ongoing impact. The event remains a pinnacle for purebred dogs, with Poodles frequently contending.[4] Mrs. Hoyt’s pioneering role inspires modern competitors, proving determination yields extraordinary results.
Standard Poodles now symbolize excellence across agility, obedience, and conformation. Their story at Westminster illustrates how one victory sparks enduring change.
Key Takeaways
- The first Standard Poodle Best in Show win occurred in 1935 with Ch. Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace of Blakeen.
- Mrs. Sherman Hoyt achieved a dual milestone as the first woman handler to win.
- Poodle successes peaked in the late 1950s, influencing the breed’s modern image.
This historic feat reminds enthusiasts of the sport’s evolution. What are your favorite Westminster memories? Share in the comments.
Gargi from India has a Masters in History, and a Bachelor of Education. An animal lover, she is keen on crafting stories and creating content while pursuing a career in education.
