"He's a great salty sea-dog," said breeder Rachel Cawley of Sixstar Danes in Agua Fria, "We think the costume really fits his personality."Just like his retired dad, Eagle is a winning show dog. The duo was featured on Animal Planet's That's my Baby, and according to Cawley their episode airs every couple of months.

Another one of the big winners displayed his eloquence, proving size isn't everything. Not only was Buster Brown the second "Biggest Dog" in the show, he was also the second "Best Talker." With a little help from his owners Brandon Pasterski and Brandon's dad Steve, the giant English mastiff spoke on command. Both his awards were impressive considering Buster Brown is just over a year out of the litter. And even if the whole dog wasn't biggest, he might still have received points for his ears.

Jenika Ekovich's St. Bernard, Hurley was just short of being one of the shows biggest dogs, but he still took home the bronze medal for having the third "Biggest Ears."

Big isn't always best, though, so to be fair even the smallest dogs were given their due. When Lauren West from Lake Arrowhead brought her three month old teacup Cockapoo to the show there was no contest. The judges had a hard time seeing Penny as she walked by, but when they did they knew they had found the winner of the "Smallest Dog" competition.

When she grows to be full size Penny will only be about three pounds - still smaller than any other dog in this year's competition.

The average-size dogs weren't forgotten by the show's directors.

The "Most Talented" category gave the Labradors a chance to show off their talent. The Brown family brought their white Lab Moon-Doggie to the show just so he could show off for everyone.

Moon-Doggie loves his tennis balls; he loves them so much he chews three of them, all at the same time. On Saturday Moon-Doggie not only caught tennis balls, he caught a second place in this year's "Most Talented" category.

Another award was given for the "Double Dog Partners in Crime" - the show's twins competition. The number one odd couple this year was Cody and Kiya. The pair is completely alike in every way, except one. Cody is a Great Pyrenees mountain dog and, at about one quarter his size, Kiya is a Cuban Havanese. When Kiya and Cody sit together, Kiya blends in to the matching white fur of her friend until she is almost invisible.

The competition every dog wants to win is the "Strut your Mutt" category.

This honor is given to the best in show each year. This year the winner was not only the "Best in Show," but she was also the "Best Dressed." Lola the Wonder-Dog came dressed as "Lola the Showgirl" in a costume hand-made by her owner Colleen Riemer. The mini pinscher was awarded not only for her style, but also her all around good behavior and fitness.

The show isn't just a good way to bring dogs and their owners from all across the mountain together, it's also a fund-raiser to help support the Mountain Humane Society.

"All the proceeds from 'Strut Your Mutt' go to helping animals," said Monette Simoneau, president of the Mountain Humane Society.

"It helps support emergency medical, spay/neuter, and foster/adoption programs." There were many booths providing an assortment of dog products including leashes and other doggie accessories.

The show was moved to the Tavern Bay Beach Club this year to allow it to grow. "We want everyone to participate," explained Simoneau, "We know there are a lot more mutts on than the mountain than there are purebreds, so we call it 'Strut Your Mutt'." Unlike most dog shows, Strut your Mutt is family friendly and allows children to participate in the fun event; in fact, Simoneau's son Brendan helped with the event and exclaimed, "It's really great!"

To learn more information about the Mountain Humane Society or to adopt a pet call (909) 640-9092