Pet Papillon Wins Merit Award at Westminster Dog Show

Underdog Takes the Big Show by Storm

By VLADIMIR NEGRON

February 17, 2010

Think your pet dog has a chance to compete against the big boys (and girls)? Tylia Smith sure thought Jaca did.

The Papillon won an award of merit in the breed competition at Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Monday.

Although many of the 2,573 dogs competing at the dog show were bred to make it to the show ring, Smith, a San Diego resident, decided to show Jaca simply because he was so beautiful and just to give showing a try.

The merit award afforded him consideration for best in breed, whose winners advanced to the group competitions on Monday night.

Jaca may not have made it to Best in Show on Tuesday night, but he sure did give the average pooch some hope. So grab a brush, a hairdryer, and some styling scissors and get to work for next year. Your Fido may be up for next year's challenge.

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Image courtesy of Tylia Smith