Event Information

2012 BEST IN SHOW
Wire Fox Terrier “Sky”

For the first time ever, a breed repeated as Best in Show at the 2012 National Dog Show as the Wire Fox Terrier took top honors for the second consecutive year.

2011 BEST IN SHOW
Wire Fox Terrier “Eira”

The National Dog Show Presented by Purina’s 10th anniversary champion last year was the impressive Wire Fox Terrier, Eira, selected by Best In Show Judge Karen Wilson from among seven group winners last November.

Registered as Ch Steele Your Heart, Eira’s call name means “snow” in Welsh and she outperformed a universe of almost 1,500 canines, winning the Terrier Group and besting the English Springer Spaniel, the Affenpinscher, the Australian Shepherd, the Dalmatian, the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Whippet.

“She looks beautiful and she moves beautifully,” said handler Gabriel Rangel, who stood on top of the dog show world two years ago with the National Dog Show and Westminster winner Sadie, the Scottish Terrier. “Eira moves as well as she stacks.” Rangel and Eira live in Rialto, CA, east of Los Angeles.

“She is a spectacular show dog, the epitome,” offered Wilson, who travelled from Culpepper, VA, to handle the Best In Show Judge duties. “She has a superior coat. She and Gabriel are a wonderful team.”

The four year-old bitch comes from a long line of highly-ranked Wire Fox Terriers and she captured her 17th Best In Show at Philadelphia. Eira is owned by Torie Steele and Maryann Roma of Malibu, CA.

2010 BEST IN SHOW
Irish Setter “Clooney”

"Clooney," the Irish Setter officially named Grand Champion Windntide Mr. Sandman , took top honors at the 2010 National Dog Show Presented by Purina. Clooney is owned by Carol and Patrick McGary of Normandy Park, WA. "Clooney" prevailed over a strong field that included a three-year-old Boxer with 52 all-breed Best in Show victories on her leash. "He loves to show," offered handler Peter Kubacz, who lives with Clooney in Jackson, NJ.

"He loves the attention; he loves people; he loves being in the ring and being around all the people and everyone fussing over him. He is a great show dog in that regard."

2009 BEST IN SHOW
Scottish Terrier "Sadie"

Ch. Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot, also known as Sadie, earned her place as America’s “Top Dog” with a scintillating 2009-2010, including Best In Show at the National Dog Show Presented by Purina®. Last year, no one was surprised when she won her 100th Best In Show award here at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. It was a feat witnessed by a total television audience of nearly 20 million people for the NBC broadcast on Thanksgiving Day.

She went on to win the coveted Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in February and retired with 112 Best In Shows. Sadie is now living happily with her owner, Amelia Musser, of Mackinac Island, MI, contemplating motherhood and eating her favorite foods, Purina ONE Sensitive Systems and organic chicken hotdogs.

2008 BEST IN SHOW
Pointer "Holly"

Ch. Cookieland Seasyde Hollyberry, a Pointer also known as Holly, has had lots to celebrate in 2007 and 2008. The highlight of her memorable 2008 campaign was Best In Show at the "National Dog Show Presented by Purina®," on Thanksgiving Day before a total audience of almost 20 million viewers on NBC.

With handler Michael E. Scott, Holly finished as the second highest scoring dog in AKC conformation in 2008, garnering 117,199 points – besting the 2007 number one dog by 21,665. During that time, she garnered an amazing 10 Best in Show titles in a row, winning a total of 116 Best In Shows, making her the winningest Sporting Dog in history.

Owned by Sean and Tammy McCarthy of New York City and Helyne Medeiros of Cape Cod, MA, Holly has taken on another role. She resides in Marston Mills, MA and is busy raising the next generation of champion Pointers.

2007 BEST IN SHOW
Australian Shepherd "Swizzle"

Breaking away from the herd of seven group winners, an Australian Shepherd named "Swizzle" took top honors at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia Dog Shows' Saturday event. Registered with the American Kennel Club by the CH. Buff Cap Cresland Arctionist, Swizzle won his breed and the herding group to qualify for Best in Show.

Swizzle is owned by Nancy Gagnon of Stafford, CT. She emerged as the winner after a full day that saw judges determine more than 150 breed winners, then seven group winners who ultimately competed for the Best in Show title.

2006 BEST IN SHOW
Toy Poodle "Vikki"

Ch. Smash JP Win A Victory or Vikki as we know her has enjoyed success from an early age in the show ring. Vikki is currently the #1 dog among all breeds. She arrived from Japan as the #1 Toy Poodle and winner of several Bests In Shows ready to take on all comers in the USA. Vikki earned her AKC Championship at the prestigious Westchester Weekend after receiving three Toy Group Firsts from the classes. She continues to be recognized by many of the top judges in America and was one of the Top Dogs All Breeds. When Vikki was awarded Best in Show at the first show of 2006 under judge Mr. Skip Herendeen, we knew this was going to be a very special dog. In those four months it was proven to be true as she was selected Best In Show at eight out of the last 12 shows she showed in, while competing against some of the best dogs in the USA. Vikki’s owner Ron Scott has had the pleasure of showing several top poodles of all sizes in the past few years. Vikki has stolen his "heart” with her attitude and showmanship.
Vikki is presented by one of the top handlers in the world, Kaz Hosaka. Originally from Japan, Kaz is a true artist in the grooming and presentation of poodles.

2005 BEST IN SHOW
Bull Terrier "Rufus"

Ch. Rocky Top's Sundance Kid, a.k.a. Rufus, finished his career with 35 All Breed Best In Shows, including The National Dog Show Presented by Purina in 2005. Rufus is the top-winning Colored Bull Terrier of all time with over 128 Best In Group firsts. He achieved both his Championship and R.O.M. titles at 13½ months, and won the BTCA National Specialty three times. He has also claimed victory in three of the most prestigious dog shows in America,The National Dog Show Presented by Purina, the Morris & Essex Kennel Club Show and Westminster Kennel Club Show.
At 6½ years, Rufus has now retired from the rings and lives as a family member with his owners. His favorite toy is his Planet Earth dog ball which he chases jumping from the bed to computer desk. Aside from being a wonderful showdog and the best home companion, Rufus serves as Therapy Dog Ambassador for “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®” and the Kennel Club of Philadelphia . He is a Canine Good Citizen and internationally certified Therapy Dog.

2004 BEST IN SHOW
Fox Terrier "Gracie"

Ch. Aimhi Avalon Renaissance, a.k.a. Gracie, won Best In Show at the National Dog Show Presented by Purina in 2004. Gracie won three Best of Breeds from the puppy class over champions the first three shows in which she was ever shown. Her very first show as a champion resulted in her first All Breed Best In Show. Gracie has won 40 All Breed Best in Shows and over 150 Terrier Group Firsts. She won two American Fox Terrier Club National specialties and over 20 other Fox Terrier Specialties. Among her wins are also Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club and Best in Show at the Kennel Club of Philadelphia 2004 (The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®). She is the top winning Female Smooth Fox Terrier of all time with more than triple the previous record (which was 13).
After her BIS at the 2004 National Dog Show, Gracie’s owner started receiving fan mail from all over the country and from abroad. Children from Australia, Malaysia, Brazil, Chile and Hungary have sent letters and E-mails wishing luck and asking questions about Gracie.
What many people don't know about Gracie is that aside from being a wonderful showdog and the best house companion one could ever dream, she has also brought many smiles to faces of older people in retirement homes that she often visits. After retiring from the rings Gracie bacome a therapy dog.