Westminster Dog Show 2013: Banana Joe, Best in Show!

*Judge Michael Dougherty, handler Ernesto Lara and Banana Joe with the Best in Show ribbon and trophy at Madison Square Garden. (photo by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine)*

A certain dog breed’s countenance, rather cruelly, has been compared to that of a wolf or monkey. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show website offers an even more blunt description, offering that in France, this particular breed is known as the Diabolotin Moustachu, which means “mustached little devil.”

However, in the end, the Affenpinscher nicknamed Banana Joe (GCH Banana Joe V Tani Kazari) won the coveted Best in Show title at the 2013 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. In doing so, the winner of the Toy Group defeated a varied group of finalists: a Portuguese Water Dog, an Old English Sheepdog (the Reserve Best in Show winner, or the runner-up), a Bichon Frise, an American Foxhound, a Smooth Fox Terrier and a German Wirehaired Pointer.

It was the second consecutive victory for the small but mighty Toy Group, following the 2012 show which crowned a Pekingese named Malachy as the champion. Joey’s handler, Ernesto Lara, lifted the Affenpinscher over his head in triumph following the announcement. It was also the final competition for Banana Joe, who just shy of six years old will head back to his native country (the Netherlands) to retire in style.

Video: Westminster Dog Show 2013 – Best in Show competition
video by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine