Sadie Scores! Scottish Terrier Takes Best in Show at Westminster

Feb. 17, 2010— -- She may not have known exactly why the eyes of millions were on her, but Sadie knew she had done a good job after hearing the roar of the crowd following her win at the Westminster Kennel Club's premiere event.

The famed kennel club's prestigious Best in Show title went to the 4-year-old Scottish terrier Tuesday, who celebrated by jumping up on her hind legs, enthusiastically pawing at her handler's knees.

"When it gets down to the end with seven great dogs in the ring, it gets down into charisma, showmanship," Westminster co-host David Frei told "Good Morning America" today.

Her win was celebrated with a favorite snack -- chicken. And the renowned champion with 112 ribbons to her name got some well-deserved pampering before and after she took the ring.

"You just basically made sure that she's refreshed and play with her and brush her," handler Gabriel Rangel said.

What's up next for the champion Scottie who knows the words "hot dogs" in five languages? "She's going to be a mama," Rangel said.

Sadie -- formally known as Ch. Roundtown Mercedes of Maryscot -- faced tough competition this year, beating out Chanel the whippet, and C.J., the sprightly Doberman who won the working group earlier in the night.

Chanel had been somewhat of a sentimental favorite heading into the final judging, her win in the hound group coming four years after another show whippet, Vivi, was released from her carrier on the tarmac at John F. Kennedy International Airport after the 2006 show.

Volunteers searched high and low for the prized whippet, which was never seen again.

But Tuesday night belonged to Sadie, despite attempts by protesters to mar the best in show judging.

Two protesters from the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals were hauled out of the center ring and charged with criminal trespass, according to The Associated Press, after interrupting the main event by holding up signs reading "Mutts Rule" and "Breeders Kill Shelter Dogs."

Sadie Raises National Profile of Scottish Terriers

Sadie's win, judged by Elliott Weiss, came during her third showing at Westminster, according to the AP. Previous attempts were foiled when she became spooked by noises two years ago and then went to the bathroom in the ring in 2009.

Sadie's best in show title makes her a triple threat -- she is now the first dog to win Westminster, the National Dog Show and the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.

Known for their beards and expressive eyebrows, Scottish terriers originated as little hunters and were brought to the United States in the late 19th century. They are known to be stubborn, but family-friendly.

The Scottish terrier is almost a staple in the show ring at Westminster, having won the top spot eight times. The breed has also been fancied by three U.S. presidents, including President George W. Bush, whose Scotties Barney and Miss Beazley still have their own Web pages.

Westminster's best in show is the holy grail for American purebred dog owners. This year's show boasted 2,500 hopefuls.

Last year's winner, Stump, a 10-year-old Sussex spaniel, made history as the oldest dog ever to win the title. He later graced the cover of AARP magazine.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.