A poodle has won the "Poodle" Group 44 times since 1924. That's a winner every other year. Is the standard for the poodle too low or is the standard for all other 17 breeds too high? I would like to see some variety in this diverse group. I skip this particular judging every year because I'm usually disappointed in the results.

I totally agree. Why don't they just create a Poodle Best in Show class all by itself - so that other dogs would have a chance? It's really a turn off to see the poodle trotted out in every dog show as the runner up/winner. At least with the Crufts show in England it appears that all dogs are created equal. Here in the states -- if there is a poodle somewhere -- there goes the ribbon.

Eh...

Yeah the Poodle's won Westminster a lot, but I've seen a ton of shows where the poodle hasn't won so it's a farfetched statement to say that it's always unfair in the US when it comes to the non sporting group. I've seen German Shepherds win the herding group in a lot of shows, the Pekinese win the toy group in a lot of shows...Poodles aren't the only "top winners" of their groups.

As for the "Poodle Best in Show" class...that would be for a specialty show, which Westminster is not. What's unfair is saying that Poodles shouldn't be shown or they should be tossed aside for a different breed because they aren't as flashy or what not. Perhaps the Poodle was the best, perhaps it's favoritism...but I wouldn't be to quick to claim that unless you spoke to the judge(s) in question or got to see the winning Poodle(s) in person.

And yes, I do like Poodle and no I don't own one...or any dog for that matter. Just a fan of the sport is all...

EDIT:

Will say this though...I don't think that poodle should've won. I don't know. Typically I really love the movement of a poodle, but there was something that seemed off to me. The Miniature poodle's movement was beautiful. So if they wanted a poodle to win the group I think they should've gone with the miniature.

I agree, also. Thank goodness that there are others out there that feel the same. The wonderful French Bulldog never had a chance this year and I believe that she was far more deserving. Since the poodles are so supreme maybe there should be a poodle category? LOL.

I also agree.

Amen! I have been griping about the disparity since I began following Westminster years ago. There can be only a few explanations for the dominance the poodle enjoys year in and year out. Either the poodle standard is to easy to achieve, other breeds possess unreachable standards, or politics/money/influence. One would think that within the dog show world, those in the know would recognize the inequity and be a little embarrassed. To pretend that the poodles display such excellence above and beyond all others in the group suggests that judging is a farce. That all one has to do in this class is inspect each animal with stern concentration, clueless of the breed standard requirements all the while, send the poor animal trotting around the carpet, repeat the process over and over, then pick the poodle. Genius.

DITTO!!!! WHY BOTHER EVEN WATCHING. DO THEY TELL THE JUDGES WHAT TO DO??? GET SOME REAL DOGS IN THE WINNERS BRACKET. I SEE ENOUGH OF THIS KIND OF THING IN GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS! I THINK I'M DONE WATCHING UNTIL I HEAR A NON-FOO,FOO WON.

I agree, especially in light of the fact that the Miniature Poodles mother WON BIS at Westminster several years ago. The Mini Poodle was Spice Girl's youngster.