National Dog Show: Review of previous Best in Show champions
But this dog showdown isn’t just background noise for Thanksgiving dinner prep. These prestigious dogs, who for years have been trained and groomed during their few minutes on the national stage, deserve your attention. So, ahead of this year’s competition, check out the last decade of the National Dog Show, who represented the cutest, furryest, and best-behaved puppies in the United States.
Do not let Claire’s flimsy coat And her scary height fools you – she’s a sweetheart at heart.
2019: Thor the Bulldog
The National Dog Show’s dark pony, this dashing young gun has a superhero spirit.
Age at time of victory: 2 – actually a baby!
Favorite Quote: From his handler, Eduardo Paris: “I love this dog. Thor has always given me his heart.”
Favorite Superhero: Black Panther. (Okay, we really don’t know.)
Interesting facts: Thor is a citizen of the world – born in Peru, he first dazzled his co-owners after winning Best-in-Shows at a dog show in Brazil.
2018: Whiskey the Whippet
Age at time of victory: 3
Dislike: Losing, especially with peers.
Favorite expression: Permanent alarm.
2017: Newton the Brussels Griffon
This beautiful little man has the face of a Wookie and the heart of a champion.
Age at the time of victory: 3
Favorite compliment: “He’s got one of the best heads I’ve ever seen,” his manager, Susan DePew, told Purina ProClub.
Interesting facts: Newton loved to be cuddled like a newborn and fell asleep in his manager’s arms.
2016: Gia the Greyhound
Gia’s gentle demeanor and searching gaze were irresistible.
First and last name: GrandCru Giaconda
Age at time of victory: 4
Height: Threaten.
2015: Charlie the Skye Terrier
The petite and fickle Charlie has short legs and a long history in shows.
First and last name: Cragsmoor Good Time Charlie
Age at time of victory: 4
Sight: Obstructed by his blunt bangs.
2014: Nathan the Bloodhound
Therefore this What the Hound of “The Fox and the Hound” looks like growing up!
First and last name: Flessner’s International S’Cess
Age at time of victory: 4
Ears: Floppy disk.
Wrinkle: Too many to count.
2013: Jewel the American Foxhound
Not to be confused with the folk song of the same name, this gem is a real gem.
Age at time of victory: 3
Pet peeve: When people mistake her for a beagle. Have you ever seen a hound with long legs like this?!?!?
2012: Sky the Wire Fox Terrier
This perfect dog is so cute – and that smile!
Age at time of victory: 4
Dislike: When people don’t approve of her revealing kisses.
2011: Eira the Wire Fox Terrier
The ginger terrier has won the heart and many national titles.
Age at time of victory: 4
Dislike: Anything that could stain her pristine white coat.
Interesting facts: “Eira” is the Welsh word for “snow” – suitable for this pup, born from the frozen sperm of top terriers since the mid-1980s, according to her breeder.
2010: Clooney the Irish Setter
Clooney’s silky, ginger-colored mane rivaled Julianne Moore, Carrot Top and Prince Harry.
Age at the time of victory: 3
Favorite hair products: He will never tell!
Dislike: Probably the fourth best known Clooney in America, after George, Amal and Rosemary.
CNN’s Austin Steele contributed to this report.