Alaskan Malamute “costello” Crowned At Fifth Annual Akc/eukanuba National

[Crossfire Bulldogs]

News Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALASKAN MALAMUTE “COSTELLO” CROWNED AT FIFTH ANNUAL AKC/EUKANUBA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP --

Same Dog Sweeps Best in Show, Best Bred-By and Viewer’s Choice -- Tampa, FL (Jan. 15, 2006) — And the winner is an Alaskan Malamute.…CH Nanuke’s Snoklassic No Boundaries of Lockport, NY, owned/bred by Sandra D’Andrea (tonight’s handler), W. Corr and M. & P. Peel, commonly known as “Costello.” Earning a grand total of more than $80,000, the title of AKC/Eukanuba National Champion and Best Bred-By-Exhibitor in Show (a competition for breeders to exhibit the dogs they own), Costello was crowned the nation’s top dog at the conclusion of the two-day competition televised live from Tampa, Fla. Best in Show judge Mrs. Robert S. (Jane) Forsyth of Pinehurst, NC, awarded the National Champion title.

Best Bred-By-Exhibitor in Show was judged by her husband, Mr. Robert. S. Forsyth. In total, 2,648 dogs in every AKC-recognized breed and variety, including competitors from foreign registries representing 20 countries, competed for prestigious titles and a total of $225,000, the largest cash prize in the dog show world.

The AKC/Eukanuba National Championship was once again simulcast live on Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel. “We welcome Costello into the distinguished group of AKC/Eukanuba National Championship ‘Best in Show’ winners,” said Ron Menaker, AKC Chairman. “And for the first time in the history of our show, the same dog took home all the top prizes.

Millions of dog lovers watched him as he moved gracefully and proudly around the ring. But Costello is not the only winner here. We congratulate the more than 2,600 competitors for their achievement in just being invited and look forward to seeing them at the sixth annual National Championship this December in Long Beach, California.”

"It was a great honor to award Costello with The Iams Celebration of Champions Trophy, which features a likeness of all AKC/Eukanuba National Champions, plus a check for $50,000 for Best in Show," said Jeffrey Ansell, President of The Iams Company.

"We congratulate Costello and owners/breeders Sandra D’Andrea, W. Corr and M. & P. Peel for their tremendous accomplishment."

And, in the Junior Showmanship competition (for those under 18 years of age) Michael Brunner of Vancouver, Canada with his dog, CH Barkerville M'Aimez, or “Mae Mae,” a Longhaired Dachshund, was awarded Best Junior Handler, along with a $2,000 scholarship.

VIEWERS CHOOSE THEIR OWN BEST IN SHOW In addition to this year’s traditional competition, dog lovers watching the show voted online for their favorite dog from among all the Best of Breed winners in each group. The Iams Viewer’s Choice winners were announced on air during the broadcast.

Viewers cast over 156,000 votes at www.animalplanet.com and selected Costello as the Iams Viewer’s Choice Award Winner.

[calgal]

I was watching that. Have to say he really was a magnificant looking boy!!!!! I sure wouldn't want the job of deciding on the winner. They were all so fantastic!

[c0_re]

hands down one of the most wonderful looking dogs I have ever seen, I thought that brown and white setter sure was pretty too unbelievably perfect markings.

[Roz]

Wow. Costello is having a really good year. :]

[bohemianfey]

I watched on Animal Planet and I totally called it. When I first saw Costello I turned to my fiance and said he would win and tah dah! He really is a magnificent specimen for his breed. I love that he's bred/owned/handled, I always root for those dogs. His owner must be so proud.