The gold standard for Clumber Spaniels lives in Pungo.

His name is Howie, and for the second year in a row he won best in his breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. 

The prestigious dog show took place earlier this June at the Lyndhurst Estate in Tarrytown, N.Y.

"I really believe he knows when he wins and understands the excitement," said Debbie Bright, Howie's owner. 

Howie went up against eight other Clumber Spaniels in the competition, which is the second-longest continually held sporting event in the country.

Clumber Spaniels are powerful bird dogs built to push through heavy underbush and flush out pheasants. 

They are sometimes known as a gentleman's hunting dog because of their slower pace and mellow nature. 

Judges assess dogs based on American Kennel Club (AKC) standards, which include the condition of their coat, their bone and muscle tone and how well they carry out the functions described for their breed.

"Howie represents his breed exceptionally," Bright said. 

Bright's husband is a third-generation farmer who runs Bonney Bright Farms. That's where Howie and his sister Georgia, a retired prize-winning show dog in her own right, were born five years ago. 

When he's not competing, Howie likes to chase birds and swim in the Intracoastal Waterway. 

After that, he spends most of the day inside sleeping or playing with his toys. 

"Mostly, he loves being with his mom," Bright said. 

Bright said Howie had some training as a puppy, but mostly he learned how to perform at competitions through experience. 

"Now anytime he goes into the ring, he is on his game," she said. "He goes into that ring to perform and he knows what his job is." 

After winning back-to-back at Westminster, Bright said it may be time for him to settle down.

"I think maybe it's always a good thing to stop when you're on top," she said. "Just let him sit back now and maybe have some puppies on the ground." 

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