Tennie Sumague and Abigail Vital
EBC New York Bureau
NEW YORK (Eagle News) — It was a night to remember at Madison Square Garden where one dog was chosen Best in Show at the 142nd Westminster Kennel Dog Show competition. The winner of the coveted title belonged to Flynn, the Bichon Frise of the Non-Sporting group.
The adorable and cuddly five-year-old dog beat out six dogs of different groups: Ty the Giant Schnauzer (Working) , Lucy the Borzoi (Hound), Biggie the Pug (Toy), Slick the Border Collie (Herding), Bean the Sussex Spaniel (Sporting), and Winston the Norfolk Terrier (Terrier) in the final round of competition last Tuesday night.
“It feels a little unreal,” said Bill McFadden, Flynn’s dog handler. “I came in expecting nothing except hoping for a good performance, and I think I got it.”
The win was a surprise for the Bichon Frise as Ty the Giant Schnauzer entered the competition as the number one ranked dog and the heavy favorite. The winner of the Hound group was runner-up of the competition.
The perks of being crowned Best in Show includes walking the traditional Westminster show victory lap, lunch at the famed New York eatery Sardi’s, trips up top of the Empire State Building and One World Observatory and press appearances on Good Morning America and at the New York Stock Exchange to name a few.
Like last year’s winner, Rumor the German Shepherd, Flynn will retire from competition after winning the prestigious prize known as the Super Bowl of the dog world.
“This was the perfect way to end his career,” McFadden added. “This dog [will always have] a special place in my heart.”
When asked by Eagle News on his defining moment with the jovial and entertaining bichon frise, McFadden said it took plenty practice to train the cute, fluffy dog for every competition.
Founded in 1877, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is the second longest sporting event after the Kentucky Derby. It is famously known as “America’s Dog Show” and according to the website, the club is the country’s oldest organization dedicated to the sport of purebred dogs.
