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Kerri Schreiber
Kaz Hosaka was a professional handler who took home the Westminster Best in Show title just a month prior to his passing.
Courtesy of Getty Images for The Westminster Kennel Club
Miniature Poodle, "Sage" GCHG CH Surrey Sage, won the Non-Sporting Group. Sage is handled by Kaz Hosaka and owned by Cathy Gauche.
Kerri Schreiber
Hosaka visited the American Kennel Club office in New York after his Westminster win.
Kerri Schreiber
After being in the sport of Conformation for 45 years, Hosaka announced his retirement after winning Best in Show at Westminster.
Kerri Schreiber
Hosaka came to the United States in the 1970s to apprentice a poodle breeder, which helped start his career as a professional handler.

The entire American Kennel Club universe mourns the passing of our very special friend, Kaz Hosaka. For over 40 years he epitomized professionalism, both inside and outside of the show ring.

To know Kaz was to respect him, his sportsmanship, knowledge and dedication to the sport of dogs. He just recently honored us with a visit to AKC’s headquarters on May 15, 2024. It was a wonderful time and will always be a fond memory.

Our condolences to his dear wife Roxanne Wolf, family, and friends.

Dennis Sprung