Great Dane from Bensalem Honored at National Dog Show

James, a Great Dane from Bensalem, won "First In Group" for the Working Group at "The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®" on Saturday, Nov. 17.

James, whose registered name is GCH Lobato's JitterBug Man, is a five year-old Great Dane owned by Mary Ellen Thomas from Bensalem. He has won 10 "Best In Show" titles, bested 38 Specialty Shows and was number one Great Dane for 2010 and 2011. James' handler is Marie Somershow of McAdoo, PA.

As one of seven dogs competing in "Best of Show," James will be featured during "The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®" television broadcast on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, on NBC immediately following the Macy's Day Parade.

The event has become a holiday favorite generating a total audience of almost 20 million viewers each year. This year, an encore presentation of "The National Dog Show Presented by Purina®" will air on NBC in primetime on Friday from 8-10 p.m. ET.

Each of the 169 AKC registered breeds and varieties are assigned to one of seven groups (Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding) representing characteristics and functions the breeds were originally bred for. By winning the "First In Group" competition, that dog joins an elite group of winners of the seven group competitions that go on to compete for the ultimate "Best In Show" award, the coveted red, white and blue ribbon, and to become winner of The National Dog Show Presented by Purina.