Stache, an extraordinary Sealyham terrier, secured the coveted Best in Show title at this year’s National Dog Show.
This male terrier, adorned with a luscious cream-colored coat and elegant strands of hair framing his broad forehead, emerged victorious among six other elite finalists in the prestigious annual canine competition. Hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, the event unfolded on Thanksgiving Day and was nationally broadcasted by NBC.
Despite his modest stature, barely reaching the judge’s knees, Stache skillfully craned his neck to appreciate the gleaming silver platter bestowed upon him as the ultimate champion. Margery Good, his proud handler, beamed with pride while graciously accepting the well-deserved award on behalf of Stache.
“His performance was truly impressive,” she remarked. “Gracefully extending his petite legs and paws, he soared with remarkable agility around the ring.”
In a diverse lineup featuring a German shepherd, a Great Dane, a Chesapeake Bay retriever, a Shih Tzu, and an Azawakh—a hound with roots tracing back to West Africa—Stache emerged as the victor. Securing the second-place spot, known as Reserve Best in Show, was a charming Dalmatian named Pumpkin. The competition drew in a remarkable array of participants, with up to 2,000 dogs spanning over 200 breeds and varieties. Notably, the inaugural National Dog Show in 2001 showcased only 165 breeds.
Stache, officially known as GCHP Goodspice Efbe Money Stache, resides in the charming town of Honey Brook, Pennsylvania, just a short distance from where he recently secured a highly esteemed accolade. Prior to this triumph, Stache held the impressive positions of being the second-ranked Terrier and the twelfth-ranked All-Breed show dog in the United States. Notably, he has achieved an impressive total of 49 Best in Show awards. The American Kennel Club characterizes the Sealyham Terrier as “courageous and lively, yet less feisty than smaller terriers.” Described as robust and sociable companions, they possess a subtle sense of humor
Purina, the presenter of this year’s National Dog Show, reported that over 20 million pet enthusiasts tuned in to the event. Beyond the captivating judging, there are numerous entertaining facts awaiting the audience.
Throughout the years, the show has seen the impressive participation of over 30,000 dogs. Intriguingly, only two breeds, the wire fox terrier and the Scottish deerhound, have secured victory twice. Despite their widespread popularity, dogs such as the golden retriever, Labrador retriever, and German shepherd have each claimed the coveted Best in Show title only once. Adding a quirky twist to the mix, two dogs with food-inspired names, Raisin the Doberman Pinscher in 2003 and Whiskey the Whippet in 2018, have also clinched the prestigious title.