Sadie crowned top dog despite interruption

(AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY)

As expected, Sadie, the Scottish Terrier won her place as America's number one dog receiving "best in show" at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the night of February 16 in New York City's Madison Square Garden.

The 4-1/2 year-old won best of breed and best of the terrier group earlier in the day, adding to her 112 best in show ribbons. Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot, Sadie's full name, is the first dog to take the Triple Crown, winning the National Dog Show in November and the American Kennel Club/Eukanuba National Championship in December.

Earlier in the evening two protestors walked into the centre ring holding signs that read "Mutts Rule" and "Breeders Kill Shelter Dogs' Chances," the slogan of PETA People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The women were whisked away from the sold-out shocked crowd of 15,000.

Among all the breeds, the judges narrowed it down to a brown Doberman pinscher, a brindle-colored French bulldog, and the black Scottish Terrier, and the judges eyed the champions stroll around the ring. Her winning traits include unusual balance for a short-legged dog, strong breed characteristics, and confidence.