Virginia Dog wins Best In Show

Pets are in important part of our lives. Many people are devoted to specific breeds and despite the issues common to pure breds, always own the same breed. Perhaps this is why we all watch so closely to see who wins the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. I would venture a guess that following the winning of the title, breeders who specialize in the winning breed, are inundated with requests and inquiries.

This year, the winner is a breed that many of us are unfamiliar with, the Scottish deerhound. Hickory, who hails from a 50-acre farm in Warrenton, Va and is owned by Sally Sweatt and Cecilia Dove and
Dr. Scott Dove, walked away with the Best In Show prize. Hickory was selected from a group of seven dogs, whose breeds included: a Pekingese, Portuguese water dog, Chinese shar-pei, smooth fox terrier, bearded collie and black cocker spaniel.

This year's show brought some new technology, the use of the QR code posted on the dog's crate to provide information about the dog and the breeders. This is a great example of another new use of the QR code in an unexpected, but decidedly efficient, way! While it was used by only a couple of breeders, I would bet you can expect to see more of this in the future.

Here is an interview with the winner and her handler: Hickory, Best in Show 2011

I also enjoyed this video, The road to Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show  which goes behind the scenes of the famous Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Congratulations to this Virginia dog, Hickory, and her owners and breeder!