Congratulations to CJ, a German Shorthaired Pointer, who beat over 3,000 dogs to win the top prize – Best in Show – at the 140th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last evening at Madison Square Garden in New York City. CJ, a three year-old male who’s full name is CGH VJ-Myst Garbonita’s California Journey, is only the third German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) to win Best in Show at Westminster. He is the grandson of Carlee, who took the Best in Show title at Westminster in 2005.

Our congratulations also go to CJ’s owner-breeder-handler Valerie Nunes-Atkinson, who also owned the champion Carlee. On her first stop on their joint victory lap, Valerie and CJ visited Good Morning America with WKC spokeswoman Gail Miller Bisher, who pointed out that CJ has already won 18 “Best in Show” titles since Nunes-Atkinson started showing him six months ago. That’s quite a winning streak for the beginner show dog! See the full interview below.

When he’s not winning “the Super Bowl of dog shows,” CJ relaxes at home with Nunes-Atkinson, his five dog brothers (all different breeds, including two rescues) and a cat named Tootsie. Nunes-Atkinson says CJ loves Tootsie, but the cat “wants nothing to do with him.” Like most pointers, CJ also enjoys carrying around things in his mouth and playing vigorous games of fetch in the back yard.

Despite his storied lineage, beautiful bearing and impressive win streak, CJ was not actually the favorite to win Best in Show last night. Many predicted the winner would be either Charlie the Skye Terrier, who won Reserve Best in Show (second place) at Westminster last year, or Rumor the German Shepherd (see photo at left), who according to ESPN “was ranked as the No. 1 show dog in the country last year and had won 101 times.” In addition to these tough competitors, he also faced Annabelle the English Bulldog, Panda the Shih Tzu, Bogey the Samoyed and Lucy the Borzoi, who won this year’s Reserve Best in Show title. What an impressive collection of amazing dogs!

The DogWatch Team salutes CJ on his win, and we know all our German Shorthaired Pointer DogWatch dogs are cheering for his victory! We have a soft-spot for the regal, intelligent Pointer – we include the breed’s likeness in our logo. Way to go, CJ, and congrats to all who participated at Westminster this year. We look forward to another great show next February!

Photos from Westminster Kennel Club Facebook Page