WE HAVE A WINNER! Kasper, owned by Karen Thompson (far right) took home the gold in this year's AKC Classic in Orlando for being the most obedient of all the puppers. (Submitted photo)

Eau Claire has an award-winning canine in its midst. 

The top dogs in the nation were crowned in the eighth American Kennel Club Classic in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 18-19 – a competition pitting 248 of the nation’s most prestigious pups against each other. Kasper, a golden retriever owned by Karen Thompson of Eau Claire, won in the Novice category for most obedient dog/handler team. 

The competition was held in conjunction with the AKC National Championship Presented by Royal Canon at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. 

The other four winners in the most obedient dog/handler team category were Willie, owned by Kathleen Keller/Stephen Keller of Flemington, New Jersey (Open); Ember, owned by Linda Montgomery of Mount Crawford, Virginia (Utility); and Prada, owned by Jeannie Dennard of High Point, North Carolina (Masters). 

For more information you can visit the AKC’s website akc.org.