Bill McCay/NBCWoof! But in a good way!
The holiday-season kickoff that doesn't involve football—the National Dog Show, of course—unfolded in Philadelphia today and, after bred-to-a-tee breeds of all shapes and sizes were paraded before the discerning judges, there emerged a winner.
Charlie the Skye terrier was named Best in Show, the gravitas Christopher Guest-worthy as the announcement was made. Handler Larry Cornelius did the honors in helping Charlie put his best foot (or four) forward.
The 4 1/2-year-old dog hails from Ocala, Fla., and he beat out 1,700 other dogs over the course of the competition to win the title. This is reportedly his 79th Best in Show title from a variety of tournaments overall.
"He is in impeccable condition, hard-muscled with a beautiful coat. For his breed, he really shows personality," judge Elizabeth Sweigart described the 2015 champion.
The Skye terrier in general is a double-coated hunting dog that a couple of years ago was reported to be an endangered breed in the U.K. after only 42 were registered in Britain in 2013, according to The Kennel Club.
"At one stage every close would have a Skye terrier belonging to somebody," Gail Marshall, secretary of the Scottish branch of the Skye Terriers Club, told BBC News at the time.
"Queen Victoria had a kennel full of them and Mary, Queen of Scots had one under her skirt when she was beheaded."
Well, perhaps Charlie, who would do any hair metal band proud with his parted-down-the-middle shag, will help lead a revival in interest in the plucky breed!