Competing at the National Dog Show that will be televised nationally on Thanksgiving is a high point in Cumberland County native Lexie Ditlow’s nearly lifelong career as a handler.
Ditlow, 34, has been showing dogs since she was 5. But this year was the first time the Enola resident stepped into the ring at the National Dog Show, broadcast on NBC each year after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.
After winning best in the Sporting Dog category last weekend, she and her partner Houston, a Clumber Spaniel, are competing alongside six other breeds for the coveted Best in Show title.
The show was filmed Nov. 16 and 17 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Ditlow said NBC estimated 30 million people will be tuning in to see the winner revealed.
“This is the highest achievement I’ve achieved,” Ditlow said. “I’ve worked really hard to get where I am and I’ve put a lot of my time and effort into this.”
Houston — a solidly built Clumber Spaniel covered in thick white fur with droopy eyes and jowls to match — is only 2 years old and won’t reach his prime competition years until about 4 or 5, Ditlow said.
The pair have worked together since he was about 6 months old, competing in about 30 shows on weekends in 2024. During the week, Houston relaxes at home with his owner and three pup siblings in Keyport, New Jersey.
Houston has seen so much success at a young age because he is a “lovely representation” of the best traits a Clumber Spaniel possesses, Ditlow said. She shows 10 to 15 dogs each weekend but said Houston is her top dog and priority.
Judges are drawn to Houston’s “picturesque” head and face; his level, tabletop back; and his stamina for running extended periods. These are all qualities that Clumber Spaniels use to plow through thick brush and flush out game for hunters, Ditlow said.
Ditlow and Houston have a tight bond matching the one he has with his owners, Jacquelin Hickey and Cathy Doris. Ditlow said that bond is key to a dog’s success in the ring.
When Houston isn’t competing, he’s a goofy dog that has to wear a bib around his neck to catch drool falling from his droopy mouth. He loves peanut butter-filled bones and taking long walks on New Jersey beaches with his siblings and owner.
When he’s in the ring and needs to show some expression for the judges, Ditlow slips him pieces of his favorite broiled chicken.
The breed has a nickname: “We call them ‘snow pigs’ because they make these cute little pig noises,” Ditlow said, adding “He’s got a ton of personality and I think that translates into the show ring.
Next year, Ditlow plans to compete with him every weekend in hopes of being named the No. 1 Clumber Spaniel in the country and a top 10 sporting dog.
“Houston is going for higher goals,” Ditlow said.
Tune in at noon on Thursday, Nov. 28, to find out how Houston fares in the Best in Show competition at this year’s National Dog Show.
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