Purina Pro Plan-Fed Dogs Sweep 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Purina Pro Plan-fed dogs took top honors at the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, winning Best in Show and all the Group Firsts. More than 2,800 dogs competed at the prestigious dog show, which aired live to millions of viewers worldwide.

The Best in Show winner was a 5 ¹/_2-year-old Bichon Frise, GCH Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love (“Flynn”). The stars aligned for Team Flynn, with love and luck, plus beautiful conformation and a shining, happy personality, prevailing.

On his way to Madison Square Garden, handler Bill McFadden, a now two-time Westminster Best in Show winner, having handled 2003’s top winner, the Kerry Blue Terrier “Mick,” saw a penny on the ground. He thought of the late Anne Rogers Clark, an icon in the sport, who would walk around at dog shows giving away pennies for good luck.

“Although at first I didn’t pick up the penny, I went back and got it,” he says.

Breeder Lorrie Carlton (Belle Creek), describes Flynn in a word -- love. “He exudes love, is love and gives love,” says the second-generation dog breeder who recognized Flynn’s potential early. “He stuck out like a sore thumb and had all the qualities to go with it.”

One of four Bichons in his litter, Flynn, the only male, is related to Westminster’s other Bichon Frise winner, “J.R.,” who took Best in Show in 2001. The top Non-Sporting Group winner in 2017 with 116 Group Firsts, Flynn placed third in the Group at the 2017 Westminster dog show. The 2018 win at the Garden was his 44th Best in Show.

Here is a recap of the winners:

Best in Show & Non-Sporting Group

GCH Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love

Call Name: “Flynn”

Breed: Bichon Frise

Breeders: Lindsay Van Keuren, Glenda Blue, Lorrie Carlton, and Dr. Larry Letsche

Owners: Patrina and Bruce Odette, Lindsay Van Keuren, Lorrie Carlton, and Dr. Larry Letsche

Handler: Bill McFadden

Purina Pro Plan SPORT Performance 30/20 Salmon & Rice Formula

Reserve Best in Show & Working Group

GCH Ingebar’sTynan Dances With Wildflowers

Call Name: “Ty”