Knoxville dog takes the stage at Westminster Kennel Club Show

Knoxville dog takes the stage at Westminster Kennel Club Show

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Esmeralda Carmichael and Keeper the otterhound Esmeralda Carmichael and Keeper the otterhound

KNOXVILLE (WATE) - A Knoxville dog took the national stage Monday night at the Westminster Kennel Club Show.

Keeper the otterhound competed at Madison Square Garden after winning in several other competitions.

Otterhounds are scent hounds that were bred in Europe for hunting otter. They're unique among hounds because of their rough, double coats and large webbed feet. They hunt on land and water.

Keeper's owner, Esmeralda Carmichael, says there are only 800 to 900 otterhounds worldwide.

She hoped the judges would notice his thick ears, how he moves and his top line.

"They don't judge your dog against the other dogs in the ring. They judge against the breed's standard. So they look at him and look at the other dogs, you know. Which one fits the breed's standard the best?" Carmichael explained.

Keeper's group was won by a wirehaired Dachshund.

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