A Skye Terrier named Charlie: Big ears, long whiskers, and a sweet, wacky smile. His handler, Larry Cornelius, did an amazing job preparing Charlie for some difficult competition.
The 4-year-old dog beat out 1,700 other dogs over the course of the competition to win the title, to capture the desired title at the annual event sponsored by Purina - a livestock foods and animal health products company.
“A great winner!” National Dog Show host David Frei told People in an email. “Not only a great Skye terrier and a great show dog, but Charlie is fun for everyone. He makes us all smile as we look at those big ears, his beautiful coat, his long and low shape, and his happy personality.”
A veteran in the show said , Charlie was the underdog to the other six finalists which included a Newfoundland, a Scottish Deerhound, a Bearded Collie, a Cocker Spaniel, a French Bulldog and a Smooth Chihuahua.
The Skye terrier in general is a double-coated hunting dog that a couple of years ago was reported to be an endangered breed in the U.K. after only 42 were registered in Britain in 2013, according to The Kennel Club.
The tournament was held in Pennsylvania but it actually took place two weeks ago at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. Charlie was also named Best in Show at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Orlando and was the reserve Best in Show at Westminster earlier this year.
Nathan, the Bloodhound, was last year's champion and had won the title 24 times. Nathan, the Bloodhound and his close rivals, Freda the French bulldog and Bogey the samoyed. Nathan is also highly well-trained by his owner, Heather Helmer.
The breeds of dogs are split into seven groups: Terrier Group, Toy Group, Working Group, Sporting Group, Hound Group, Non-Sporting Group and Herding Group.
https://www.ew.com/article/2015/11/26/national-dog-show-winner-charlie-skye-terrier
