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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Gia, a Greyhound, wins the National Dog Show

Gia, a greyhound, won Best in Show at the 2016 National Dog Show in Philadelphia. (Bill McCay NBC / Bill McCay NBC)
By Bethonie Butler Washington Post

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off a day of annual traditions, but if you’re a dog lover, the real show began at noon. We’re talking about the National Dog Show.

Gia won Best in Show out of six other finalists including Ty, a giant schnauzer; Slick, a border collie; Timmy, an English springer spaniel; Chuck, a Pekingese; Rondo, a West Highland white terrier; and Clue, a Tibetan terrier (who, fun fact, is not actually a terrier). The seven finalists competed among a lineup of 2,000 dogs spanning more than 200 breeds and varieties. This was the statuesque greyhound’s 44th brush with victory on the dog show circuit. Last year’s top prize was given to a Skye terrier named Good Time Charlie.

The National Dog Show is not quite as prestigious as the Westminster Dog Show, but people get really excited about it for obvious reasons.

This year marked the 15th annual show, presented by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia. The pre-taped show was held on Nov. 19 and 20 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. Actor John O’Hurley and expert judge David Frei returned to host the broadcast. Longtime sportscaster Mary Carillo and Olympic ice-skating duo Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir offered behind-the-scenes reporting.

If you missed the show, NBC is airing an encore presentation at 5 p.m. PT on Saturday.