Were you in a turkey coma or braving the crowds for pre-Black Friday shopping and missed the National Dog Show Presented By Purina, which was broadcasted to a holiday audience totaling some 20 million on NBC Thanksgiving Day following the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?
If so, we are giving you a recap of the highlights, including who won the Best In Show Prize.
CH Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie (aka Charlie), a Skye Terrier, was selected by Best in Show Judge Ms. Elizabeth “Beth” Sweigart, of Bowmansville, PA from among the seven group-winning canines advancing out of the 1,700-dog competition at the tradition-rich, all-breed show.
“He (Charlie) is a lovely example of the breed,” offered Sweigart. “He is in impeccable condition, hard-muscled with a beautiful coat. For his breed, he really shows personality.”
The hosts and expert dog show analysts of the National Dog Show, David Frei and John O’Hurley were equally taken by the terrier.
David Frei said this about the little dog: “A great winner! 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.”
John O’Hurley added: “The moment he entered the ring, I turned to David and said, ‘Wow…!’ ‘Heads and tails’ above the competition…”
Charlie is a 4-and-a-half year old show star, having won over 79 Best in Show titles (including this win) and over 200 1st Place finishes in the Terrier group. He earned the #1 Terrier and #1 Skye Terrier titles in 2014 and 2015. Charlie was also named Best in Show at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Orlando and was the reserve Best in Show at Westminster.
“Charlie is a truly impressive Skye Terrier and Skye Terrier is not a big “winning” breed (in dog shows),” said handler Larry Cornelius of Ocala, FL. “I believe in Charlie 100 per cent, but you have to get the Best In Show judge to agree. This time, she did, thanks to Charlie.”
Charlie is among the favorites to add the Westminster Kennel Club Best In Show title to his resume this coming February.
About The Skye Terrier
The Skye Terrier may not be a breed you are familiar with – in America they are ranked the 171st most popular breed according to AKC registration numbers. They are a quieter terrier, reserved with strangers (so proper solicitation as puppies is a must) and fiercely loyal. They enjoy agility, tracking, obedience and therapy work. According the AKC, they also make great couch companions. They are considered “medium” energy and good with children, other pets and training. They are sensitive and do not do well with correction. (AKC.org)
The below statue is of the GreyFriar’s Bobby, a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh after reportedly spending 14 yrs guarding his owner’s grave, until his own death on Januray 14, 1872. a year after the dog died, the philanthropist Lady Burdett-Coutts had a statue and fountain erected to commemorate him.
Other Winners
The following are the 2015 National Dog Show Group Winners:
Terrier Group – a Skye Terrier named Charlie of Ocala, FL (Best In Show)
Herding Group – a Bearded Collie named “Zack,” of Pittsburgh, PA
Toy Group – a Smooth Coat Chihuahua named “Sonnito,” St. Louis, MO
Hound – a Scottish Deerhound named “Chelsea,” of Flint Hill, VA
Sporting – a Cocker Spaniel (ASCOB) named “Matt,” of Kennewick, WA
Non-Sporting – a French Bulldog named “Rubi,” from New York City
Working Group – a Newfoundland named “Winslow,” of Alexandria, VA
