Two of America’s most prestigious dog shows are set to begin in less than two weeks, so it’s only natural that people begin pondering all of the best dogs and dogs to watch out for as the covers close on the dog community’s best.
First, meet a SuperBubbles prize winner: a snowwhite schnauzer with a bright yellow smile… and a personality as big as the pup’s birthday cake.
From the successful spirit of Boxers to the impossibly tolerant fennec fox terrier, these are all the breeds, shows and dog stars that made headlines this year.
With less than two weeks until the America’s Best in Show competition kicks off in Orlando, FL, let’s revisit some of the dogs and dogs whose biggest achievements came this year.
Top Dog
Snowwhite ginger/bichon frise Eddie Woof was crowned America’s Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2018. The now seven-year-old golden retriever impressed with outstanding agility, outstanding temperament and a sassy demeanor.
Adorable Pups
Pug Chester Bruckner appeared at the second annual AKC Agility Classic National Championship in Long Beach, CA, in February to become the first dog to bring home both title in the event’s history. A winning thriftnut dog, Chester won the Agility National Championship in 2016.
The canine rivalry between Sir Chester and Ice Baby continued when the two appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC in November.
Hear Shear Herr
The top of Emaonis Shearless was crowned America’s Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 2018. A fastidious German wirehaired pointer with an equestrian story, this canine has graced covers of Better Homes and Gardens and Special Needs Magazine. Her namesake is an unbroken champion at the Westminster Club and the AKC.
Top Accel
Fairley (Fairy) was crowned the supreme fennec fox terrier at the AKC Royal Collie Trials at East Long Island University in Long Island, NY, in March. Her time of 12.81 seconds was a world-record time for the competition.
Like Shadow
If you’ve seen Shadow at dog shows, you know why he’s the best in show. A medium-sized pooch who is double the size of you or me, Shadow appears almost superhuman when he’s barking or pacing around his bed. The appropriately named Peaches the Great Dane was judged as the best in show at the International Feline Team Trials held in Vienna, Austria in April. It’s likely you’ll have your very own Shadow to cuddle with.
Be prepared to see more canine superstar contenders when the 31st annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show begins live on NBC on April 7.