Eddie, a Giant Schnauzer from Smithtown, is groomed backstage during...

Eddie, a Giant Schnauzer from Smithtown, is groomed backstage during the 135th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden. (Feb. 15, 2011) Credit: Charles Eckert

A Scottish deerhound has become America's top dog, while a giant Schnauzer from Smithtown took top honors as best in breed Tuesday night at the 135th Annual Westminster Kennel Club dog show.

The highest prize, best in show, went to a 5-year-old competitor named Hickory, marking the first time a Scottish deerhound claimed the big prize at the most prestigious dog show in the country.

Tonilyn Fay of Smithtown, however, was savoring the glory of best in breed, which had gone to 3-year-old Eddie. The giant Schnauzer wasn't the only award winner in the family, however: Her other dog, 4-year-old Merlin, also a giant Schnauzer, came away with an award of merit.

Fay said that just the fact that Eddie had won his breed against 10 other dogs was a surprise.

"I wasn't expecting it," said Fay. "He showed his heart out. His movement was flawless."

And she was equally happy with Merlin, who made his first appearance at Madison Square Garden, where about 2,600 perfectly groomed canines competed to win best in show. "He took it in stride. He was a little nervous . . . but he did well," she said.

Other Long Island dogs put in a good Westminster showing also.

Bonnie Regan of Manorville also thought Bailey - her 3-year-old English springer spaniel - did well, earning an award of merit. "She moved beautifully," Regan said. "She did what she was supposed to do."

The same could be said for Philo, a 2-year-old Samoyed, if you asked owner-handler Merrilee Dantonio, of Massapequa. Philo showed off his teeth, stance and stride at ring 4, but unfortunately it wasn't enough to nab a designation among more than 20 Samoyeds in his breed group.

"Everybody said Philo did well, but he got a little distracted by the girls," she said after exiting the ring. Meanwhile, Philo didn't look too disappointed. He was barking and sniffing his new female friends.

Throughout the day, the dogs' personalities were on display both in the rings and outside of them for judges and fans alike.

"He's a big mush," said John Marinos of South Huntington, as a passerby stroked the spotted brown and grayish coat of his German shorthaired pointer, Cole. "His tail never stops."

Owners Dr. Stanley J. Einbender and Roberta Einbender of Dix Hills have been breeding mastiffs for 20 years. Their 16-month-old mastiff Ethel didn't win any designations, but was considered in the top 10 of her breed group, Stanley said. "She loves people. She loves all the action. She's a consummate show girl," Roberta said.

Long Island dog owners also said they flocked to the Garden and made friends.

"I was having an out-of-body experience," said owner-handler Ken Courtney of Bayport, who showed his 3-year-old border terrier Pi for the first time at Westminster. "This is our pet. We're novices. We were just really thrilled to be here," he said. "It's like playing golf in the Masters . . . and you're a weekend player." With AP

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