Springer spaniel takes Westminster top prize

NEW YORK – An English springer spaniel with a preference for chicken-and-garlic treats prevented America’s top dog event from turning into “The Cosby Show.”

Diamond Jim jumped into handler Kellie Fitzgerald’s arms after being picked for best in show Tuesday night at the Westminster Kennel Club.

Dressed in a glittering copper top that perfectly matched her brown-and-white pet, Fitzgerald cuddled the 6-year-old certified therapy dog.

“I’m over the moon,” she said.

Diamond Jim beat out a Dandie Dinmont terrier co-owned by Bill Cosby, as he did at the big AKC/Eukanuba event in December. The springer was the nation’s No. 2 show dog last year behind Cosby’s entry. Fitzgerald also repeated, having gone best in show at Westminster in 2000.

“Bill Cosby and I are good friends,” she said. “We’re both competitive. We both wanted to win.”

Cosby’s run of bad luck on the green carpet of Madison Square Garden continued. He’d lost with several top dogs in the past, and avoided coming this time to stave off the jinx.

Judge Robert Indeglia said he wished he had ribbons to give to all seven final contenders. Yet with only a purple-and-gold prize, he pointed to Diamond Jim.

Diamond Jim beat out the Dandie Dinmont, a pair of white poodles and a petit basset griffon vendeen, plus an Akita and a Bouviers des Flandres that pitted a husband and wife against each other. Larry Fenner handled the Bouviers and Laurie Jordan-Fenner guided the Akita.

With a few dogs barking and baying backstage, Diamond Jim was chosen out of the overall 2,628 entries in 165 breeds and varieties.

“I wanted him to go out with a bang,” Fitzgerald said. “He shows 110 percent all the time. Fabulous, fabulous dog. He really excels in the big ring.”

The dog commonly called James earned more than the silver bowl trophy – he also got to chow down. Fitzgerald said he did not eat before the show. Once it was over, he snacked on goodies that fell on the floor.

Today, he’ll make a tour of the morning TV shows and enjoy a big meal at famed New York restaurant Sardi’s.