West Milford dog wins Best of Breed at Westminster show

West Milford — A West Milford 2-year-old Swedish Vallhund brought home the "Best in Breed" award at 142nd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York City this month.
Two-year-old "Annie" is owned and handled by Diane Polito of West Milford. This was Annie's second appearance at the famous show and her first win there.
"In the past year, she matured enough physically and mentally to be able to be more competitive," Polito said. "Recently, we won two large dogs shows in Orlando, FL, at the end of the last year, which made us confident she could be more competitive at Westminster this year and be a contender for the top prize of Best of Breed."
The Swedish Vallhund is a rare bread in the United States, according to Polito. Annie was bred in Oregon by the breeder Charlene Sayles. Polito entered another Swedish Vallhund at Westminster in 2015 and won "Best of Breed" then as well.
Annie, who's full AKC name is "Ch. Akutchi's If You Could See Me Know at Kanouse, CGC, RN, ACT1, NAP, NFP," has won titles in agility and rally obedience competitions, Polito said.
Polito has been showing dogs since 1998. Her dogs have done well in past contests, she said.
"Our dogs are our ptes and companions," she said. "Some people might have a negative impression of show dogs thinking that they don't live a good life, but to the contrary, ours live a charmed life.
"I work from home and they are laying at my feet or on the couch next to me during the day.
"They get the best food, grooming, and medical care, they see a professional physical therapist to keep them in top conditions, they go for daily walks and we go to regular training classes together."
Polito said that her dogs are not the only West Milford dogs to show at Westminster. Lisa Gaetner of West Milford also had two winners this year at the national event.
— Julie Boyd Cole