Flynn the bichon frise won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club on Tuesday night, a choice that seemed to surprise almost everyone in the crowd at Madison Square Garden.
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Fans who had been loudly shouting for their favourites fell into stunned silence when judge Betty-Anne Stenmark announced her decision.
No matter, the white powder puff was picked and walked off as America’s top dog.
Guided by expert handler Bill McFadden, Flynn beat out Ty the giant schnauzer, Biggie the pug, Bean the Sussex spaniel, Lucy the borzoi, Slick the border collie and Winston the Norfolk terrier.
“It feels a little unreal,” McFadden said. “I came in expecting nothing except hoping for a good performance, and I think I got it.”
Bichon Frise Flynn stands with handler Bill McFadden and judge Betty-Anne Stenmark after winning 'Best In Show' at the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Photo: EPA
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Best in Show winner Flynn, a Bichon Frise, competes in the finals of the 142nd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City. Photo: Agence France-Presse
Underdogs and upsets are way more than norm on the green carpet of the Garden – inside dog fanciers indeed fancied Flynn, but the people sitting in the stands were obviously pulling for other dogs.
