Hickory's a knockout in the Garden

A LANKY Scottish deerhound known as Hickory has triumphed over a fox terrier and a Portuguese water dog to win Best in Show at the 135th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, America's Crufts.

Hickory, a gray and white five-year-old bitch formally known as Ch Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, was a "perfect example" of the breed who exhibited "great showmanship," said Paolo Dondina , who judged the Best in Show round before a cheering capacity crowd at Madison Square Garden.

It was the first time a deerhound had ever won Westminster.

Handler Angela Lloyd said after the win "Hickory … showed tonight like she's never showed before." The dog, described by Ms Lloyd as "very docile and gentle", was a clear crowd favourite among the seven best-in-show finalists.

Ms Lloyd noted, however, that the breed is also known for its "often stubborn nature. They do things their own way."