Dog Days of Summer

NIH’er’s Samoyed Wins Best in Show

Meet Teddy, a Samoyed who won Best in Show this summer at his second American Kennel Club (AKC) show. Teddy’s co-owner, Jim Cheskawich, a human resources specialist in NIH’s Office of the Director, couldn’t be prouder. Teddy is nationally ranked, in the top seven for Samoyeds, after only three shows.

“I have co-owned Teddy since June 2023 and help manage his show career,” said Cheskawich. “When not at the shows, he lives with his other co-owners in Colorado.”

Cheskawich was past president for the Samoyed Club of America for five years and in the breed for over 30 years. This is his first Best in Show at an AKC All-Breed show.

White dog standing on wooden pedestal with handlers against a dark blue background

Teddy with his handler Heather Johnson at the American Kennel Club All-Breed show