Whippet “Bourbon” Wins 20th AKC National Championship Best in Show
GCHP CH Pinnacle Kentucky Bourbon, a Whippet known as “Bourbon” triumphed over more than 4,000 competitors to earn a $50,000 cash prize and the title of Best in Show at the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canin, held Dec. 12-13, 2020 in Orlando, FL. “Bourbon,” owned by Justin and Cheslie Smithey, K. Latimer, J. Descutner and N. Shaw of Sugar Valley, GA and bred by Justin Smithey and Yvonne Sovereign, was crowned “America’s National Champion” by Best in Show judge Mr. James A. Moses after a weekend of intense canine competition.
The overall show totals, which include the AKC Agility Invitational, the AKC National Obedience Championship, the AKC Rally National Championship, the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes, AKC National Owner-Handled Series Finals, the AKC Fast CAT Invitational and the Junior-handler events, topped 8,000 entries.
The show aired on ABC on Jan. 17, and the live stream of all the weekend events is available for replay here.
Reserve Best in Show and Group Winners
Reserve Best in Show: GCHS CH Pequest Wasabi, a Pekingese known as “Wasabi,” owned by D. Fitzpatrick, S. Middlebrooks, I. Love and P. Steinman of East Berlin, PA and bred by David Fitzpatrick.
After winning Best of Breed competitions the following top dogs went on to win in their respective groups and compete for Best in Show:
Sporting: CH Kan Trace Very Cheeky Chic, a Lagotto Romagnolo known as “Orca,” owned by Sabina Zdunic Sinkovic and Ante Lucin of Mims, FL and bred by Sabina Zdunic Sinkovic and Kalecak Zdunic Sinkovic.
Hound: GCHP CH Pinnacle Kentucky Bourbon, a Whippet known as “Bourbon,” owned by Justin and Cheslie Smithey, K. Latimer, J. Descutner and N. Shaw of Sugar Valley, GA and bred by Justin Smithey and Yvonne Sovereign.
Working: GCHP2 CH Cinnibon’s Bedrock Bombshell, a Boxer known as “Wilma,” owned by Keith & Cheryl Robbins, B Wagaman and D Caywood of Aubrey, TX and bred by Bonnie Wagaman and Nicole Manna.
Terrier: GCHG CH Brightluck Money Talks, a Welsh Terrier known as “Dazzle,” owned by Keith Baileyand Janet McBrien of Knoxville, TN and bred by Janet McBrien.
Toy: GCHS CH Pequest Wasabi, a Pekingese known as “Wasabi,” owned by D. Fitzpatrick, S. Middlebrooks, I. Love and P. Steinman of East Berlin, PA and bred by David Fitzpatrick.
Non-Sporting: GCHB CH Hightide Tarquin Venus, a Standard Poodle known as “Venus,” owned by Missy Ann Galloway, R. Corbin and C. Manelpoulos of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL and bred by Christian Manelopoulos, Rachel Corbin and Ann Galloway.
Herding: GCHS CH Stonehaven Bayshore Secret Sauce, an Australian Shepherd known as “Sketti,” owned by K Mallory, Margeson, Baylis, Rhoads, Margeson and Bialozor of Lovettsville, VA and bred by Jeffrey M Margeson, John Dale-Margeson, J Frank Baylis, Alexandra Bialozor.
View all winners here.