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America's Top Dog in 2011 Makes History

   Peter Fedynsky | New York City  February 17, 2011
   Scottish  deerhound  Foxcliffe  Hickory Wind is led in the ring during
   competition at the 135th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The dog won
   the hound division, February 14, 2011

Photo: AP

   Scottish  deerhound  Foxcliffe  Hickory Wind is led in the ring during
   competition at the 135th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. The dog won
   the hound division, February 14, 2011

   The  Westminster dog show in New York City is the longest-running show
   of its kind in the United States.
   This  yearâs  winner, a Scottish deerhound named Hickory, is the first
   of  her breed to win the Best in Show award in the 135-year history of
   the annual event.
   Hickory,  a  five-year-old  Scottish  deerhound,  began  her  reign as
   Americaâs  top  dog  with  a photo op on the observation deck atop New
   Yorkâs Empire State Building.

   Dog  breeders say Scottish deerhounds have quiet dignity and are ready
   to  forgive  injury  and remember kindness.  Handler Angela Lloyd had
   this  word of praise for Hickory. âHickory has a very large heart, and
   she shows it all the time,â she said.

   Owner Sally Sweatt said a good show dog is only half of the two-member
   team  of  animal  and handler.  Sweatt also gave Lloyd credit for not
   entering Hickory in too many earlier competitions.

   âShe  held  her  back  for  the sake of keeping her relaxed, and so it
   wouldnât  be  so  stressful on her to be at these shows this weekend,â
   Sweatt explaines.

   This   yearâs   Westminster   show  featured  more  than  2,500  dogs,
   representing  179 breeds and varieties.   They came from 49 American
   states   and  from  several  countries,  including  Thailand,  Brazil,
   Slovenia  and  Australia.   All  of  them  had  won other shows to be
   eligible for the Westminster event, considered the premier dog show in
   America.

   Getting  to the top of the dog world - and the Empire State Building -
   does not come cheap.  An owner's expenses include paying the handler,
   advertising, travel, boarding and show entrance fees.

   âIn  this  case  it  was  well  worth  it,â  Sweatt  said. âBecause an
   exceptional dog with an exceptional handler is worth everything.â

   The  payoff  comes  from  breeding fees.  Sweatt says Hickory will be
   bred soon and retired from further competition.

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