Westminster Crowns New Winner

Published February 10, 2009

A Sussex Spaniel with an incredible story has taken the grand prize of Best in Show.A Sussex Spaniel named Stump has taken the grand prize of Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

At 10 years old, Stump is the oldest dog to ever win at Westminster. He beat out nearly 2,500 canine competitors to take the title of top dog. This is also the first time a dog of the Sussex Spaniel breed has won the title.

Incredibly, Stump came out of retirement just last week to compete. He was retired five years ago after recovering from an illness that kept him in Texas A&M University's veterinary center for 19 days.

The Sussex Spaniel won Best in Show by besting six other group winners. The group winners for 2009 are as follows:

Hound: Scottish Deerhound Terrier: Scottish Terrier Non-Sporting: Poodle Herding: Puli Sporting: Sussex Spaniel Working: Giant Schnauzer Toy: Brussels Griffon

Considered by many to be the top prize in the dog show world, winning Best in Show at Westminster comes with immediate fame and glory for the champion pooch. Last year's winner, Uno the Beagle, was perhaps the most popular Best in Show in history.

To learn more about the winning breed, check out the Sussex Spaniel Breed Page.