Miniscule affenpinscher dog is America's top banana

NEW YORK (AFP) - A tiny black affenpinscher called Banana Joe became top banana in America's dog world by winning Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York.

After winning his toy dog category on Tuesday, Banana Joe went on to face serious - not to mention much bigger - competition in the final round pitting the best in breeds against each other.

Up against the miniscule pooch were a German wirehaired pointer, a smooth fox terrier, an American foxhound, a fluffy white bichon frise, a Portuguese water dog and an enormous shaggy old English sheepdog.

Swagger the sheepdog, which resembled a cross between a lion and a cotton wool ball, was a crowd favourite, earning huge cheers every time it ran around the judging ring.